Laval blue-collar workers begin six-day strike

Employees of the Laval blue-collar union (SCBL) started a six-day strike on Thursday to denounce the impasse in negotiations with the municipal administration.

The union represents 850 blue-collar workers employed with the City of Laval and is part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

The blue-collar workers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2021, and despite several attempts at conciliation, no agreement has been reached. The employer’s last offer, rejected by the SCBL, proposed a wage increase of 19.5 percent over seven years.

The workers rejected the offer because they say that increase does not allow employees to catch up with their purchasing power, which they have lost over the past four years.

“Laval’s blue-collar workers have been there, working tirelessly in the wake of the recent historic snowstorm,” explained Louis-Pierre Plourde, president of the Laval blue-collar workers’ union, in a statement.

“We are here for the citizens; it is now up to the City to be there for its employees. We need to improve and update our working conditions, because four years without wage increases is unacceptable.”

Some municipal services affected

Due to this strike from March 6 to 12, municipal arenas will be closed, as well as the Bleu Blanc Rouge outdoor skating rink near the Cartier station metro station and the activities of the Centre de la nature.

The City recommends that citizens consult its website before travelling.

Snow removal operations will also be suspended for the duration of the strike, although the city has already completed more than 75 percent of the task. The team will return to work on March 12.

The union is planning a major demonstration on Tuesday, March 11 in front of Laval City Hall where the municipal council will be held.