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- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Montréal Finalizes Six-Year Deal with Blue-Collar Union
The City of Montréal has reached a new six-year collective agreement with the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal, its blue-collar union. The agreement, announced on October 30, 2026, introduces significant changes in workforce flexibility and compensation.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
According to the city, the agreement includes provisions designed to allow greater versatility in employee duties. These include enabling more temporary deployment of teams to the locations with the greatest needs, a move that aims to enhance service continuity and address varying demands across municipal services.
Compensation and Workweek Adjustments
Montréal states that the total compensation increase under the new collective agreement will amount to approximately 23 per cent over the six-year term. Included in these changes is a planned increase in the regular work week from 36 to 37 hours, effective May 1, 2027. The city and the union have also agreed to review work schedules as part of the implementation process.
Workforce Flexibility and Temporary Deployment
The collective agreement places an emphasis on broader workforce flexibility, with the intention to allow employees to take on a wider variety of duties and roles. The city notes that greater team deployment to high-need areas is expected to help maintain essential services and ensure more efficient allocation of resources when demands fluctuate.
Addressing Outsourcing and Service Continuity
One of the central objectives outlined by the city is to reduce reliance on outsourcing when possible, using increased in-house capacity to meet municipal needs. The city indicates these measures aim to support consistent service delivery, although these are targets set out in the agreement and not guaranteed outcomes.
Moving Forward After Successful Union Negotiation
The newly reached agreement between the City of Montréal and the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal marks an effort to balance improved working conditions, employee compensation, and operational flexibility. While the changes to service delivery and outsourcing reduction are planned objectives, the city emphasizes its commitment to ongoing dialogue and evaluation as these provisions are implemented over the next six years.
Source: City of Montréal news release, October 29, 2026
Source: westislandblog.com.
