Ville de Kirkland outside workers announce 48-hour strike

The Ville de Kirkland's outside workers announced their first two-day strike just over a month after the general assembly voted in favour of pressure tactics up to and including an unlimited general strike. About 40 workers will strike from midnight on Wednesday, March 4, to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, for a total of 48 consecutive hours.

The Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal (CUPE 301) opted to strike following months of tough bargaining and the recent lack of progress toward a mutually satisfactory agreement in the short term.

Scheduling, wages and work-life balance are among the issues on the table, all vital to the well-being of these employees who provide Kirkland residents with essential services day in and day out.

"Our decision to strike reflects the need for the bargaining to be taken seriously," said Jean-Pierre Lauzon, president of CUPE 301. "Outside workers have been without a contract for more than two years. Kirkland is a great place to live, but for that to continue, it also has to be a great place to work."

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. This is far too long, especially as high inflation is shrinking workers' purchasing power. A fair and respectful agreement must be reached quickly to put an end to the impoverishment of these workers.

The outside workers reiterate that they hope to come to an equitable agreement as soon as possible and are available at any time to continue discussions.