Montreal's blue

Montreal's blue-collar workers could launch strike during road cycling world championships

Workers' collective agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2024

The blue-collar workers' union in Montreal could go on strike during the UCI 2026 Road World Championships, which are set to begin in September.

From Sept. 20 to 27, the best cyclists in the world will take over streets of Montreal.

In a news release, the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal (CUPE 301), said if the city does not speed up the pace of negotiations, the union will have "no choice" but to step up its pressure tactics, which could lead to a "historic labour dispute" during the event.

The workers' collective agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2024. The union represents about 6,000 workers.

The union's statement notes that it has held about ten rounds of negotiations since early May, but claims the employer remains "rigid and inflexible" on financial matters.

Striking Montreal blue-collar workers block part of Sherbrooke Street E. during rush hour

Montrealers, prepare for 'major disruptions' as city gets ready to host world's best cyclists

According to the union, the current offers would "impoverish" its members — who "have not received a raise since 2024" — by about 10 per cent.

The news release also indicated that the city would award contracts to private companies to resurface roads in preparation for the competition.

"This decision is all the more difficult to justify given that the city itself has admitted that outsourcing the work to the private sector costs three to four times more than if it were done in-house. This affront shows a lack of respect for these workers and for taxpayers," wrote union president Nicolas De Ciccio.

Blue-collar workers had already staged several strike days in April.

On Monday morning, the City of Montreal told CBC it would not comment on the union's position.