The 230 employees who work at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau, who have not had a pay raise since 2023, are threatening to walk out if negotiations with the City of Montreal do not progress.
The main point of contention is the proposed salary increase put forward by the current Montreal administration, which blue-collar workers consider insufficient.
During a general assembly on July 16, the members voted 100 per cent in favor of pressure tactics that could include an unlimited general strike.
In a statement posted on the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) website, Nicolas De Ciccio, president of the Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union (CUPE 301) –which represents the blue-collar workers at Parc Jean-Drapeau—said: “Our members have been without a contract since December 2023. That’s a long time! We haven’t had any salary increases since then, and inflation has continued to rise. We proudly keep this iconic park afloat, but we can no longer do so without a contract!”
Last February and April Montrealers were affected by four days of walkouts by Montreal’s 6,000 blue-collar workers. At the time, strikes affected snow removal and pothole repairs.
Parc Jean-Drapeau blue-collar workers are essential during Montreal’s major cultural festivals, like Formula 1 Grand Prix, Osheaga, ÎleSoniq and LASSO. If employees go on trike, it could affect the Vans Warped Tour, which takes place on August 21 and 22.
