Westmount city workers on strike for a week starting Thursday
Blue-collar workers in the City of Westmount plan to strike for a week starting Thursday.
The 124 members of the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupes de Montreal -- a local of the FTQ-affiliated Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) -- already walked off the job for two days, then three, in recent months.
Clearly dissatisfied with the outcome of negotiations to renew their collective agreement with the city, they have decided to strike on June 1, coinciding with the first hot days of the season.
The strike mandate, approved by union members last November, is one of the pressure tactics that could lead to an indefinite strike.
The collective agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2019.
The main points of contention concern wages and working hours. The parties have already entered a mediation phase.
"The citizens of Westmount need to know that if we don't pay our workers properly, our services will suffer. And with the arrival of the summer season, it would be a shame not to be able to enjoy all the city's beauty," said union president Jean-Pierre Lauzon.
"The city tells us it's in good financial health, so why not share a little with the men and women who proudly serve the City of Westmount?"
Westmount Mayor Christina M. Smith has already said she respected city employees' right to strike during a previous blue-collar walkout.
"My wish is that discussions and negotiations take place around the bargaining table, not in the public arena or the media and that they are based on facts," she said at the time. She also denied she was against changing working hours to facilitate work-life balance.
As for wages, she noted, "The union believes that the current offer is below its expectations, but it must take into account the current market in these sectors."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 30, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.