Montreal’s blue-collar workers are into the third day of a citywide strike, with a large rally taking place Friday in front of City Hall as labour tensions continue between the union and the City of Montreal.
The strike, led by the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal (CUPE 301), began Wednesday at 6 a.m. and is scheduled to last until Saturday at 6 a.m. It involves about 6,200 municipal employees across roughly 180 job classifications.
Related:
The demonstration brought workers together as negotiations remain stalled mainly over wages. While both sides have reportedly reached agreement on non-monetary issues, the central dispute remains the union’s demand for a minimum 20 per cent salary increase. The union argues the increase is needed to offset the rising cost of living and maintain purchasing power.
The City of Montreal has proposed an 11 per cent wage increase spread over five years, citing financial constraints. Union representatives say the offer would effectively result in a loss of real income for workers.
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024, and discussions between the two sides are ongoing.
As the strike continues to disrupt municipal services, Notre-Dame-related access has also been affected, with Notre-Dame facilities closed Thursday amid the labour action.
The walkout is expected to continue through Saturday morning unless an agreement is reached.
