Westmount’s blue collar workers approve new agreement, strike ends

The vast majority of Westmount’s blue collar workers voted to approve an agreement on Wednesday, that was announced earlier this week. With 90 percent in favour, the vote ends the indefinite general strike that was called last June.

“The bargaining committee has done a remarkable job of mobilizing and negotiating a better employment contract,” said Jean-Pierre Lauzon, president of the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de la City of Montreal. “It’s not always easy to stand up and demand more wage justice, but this group did it brilliantly and our members come out on top.”

Among the many gains, wage increases representing 24 per cent to 29 per cent, as well as a substantial increase in employer’s contributions to the group insurance plan

The local had not renewed its collective agreement since 2019. After years of negotiations, union members voted in favor of a job action mandate that could go as far as an indefinite general strike. Several short-term strikes took place and the indefinite general strike began on June 22, 2023.

The parties will soon set a date for the signing of the new collective agreement.