Working without a contract since December 31, 2023, 55 blue-collar workers with the City of Delson (CUPE 4821) are increasing their pressure tactics and launching a campaign so they can be heard by their employer and to inform residents. After some 23 bargaining meetings and important progress at the bargaining table, there are still major stumbling blocks in negotiations: contracting out of municipal services and job security.
Under the bargaining theme ‘Sans les cols bleus, ça roulerait carré’ (Without blue collar workers things could go sideways), the campaign highlights the important work the blue-collar workers perform every day and denounces the city’s willingness to contract out their work to private companies. The issue of the arena is a central part of the conflict. Last December, municipal council issued a call for tenders for the maintenance and operation of the arena. The union is also calling out the use of private contractors for some work that the blue-collar workers are available to perform.
“Our members live and work in the community of Delson. They know the infrastructure and what needs to be done to keep the city clean, safe and functioning. The city should take advantage of our expertise instead of trying to replace city workers with private contractors that often charge a high price at the expense of taxpayers, to perform our work. When you unnecessarily contract out work to the private sector, you not only hurt workers: you risk losing expertise and losing control over quality and the very services that residents rely on,” said Stéphane Sheepwash, president of CUPE 4821.
For the members of CUPE 4821, the issue is much broader than jobs. The blue-collar workers ensure the maintenance and good repair of municipal infrastructure, the safety of school crossings and the smooth operation of leisure activities. Keeping this expertise in-house allows the city to keep control of the services residents rely on and safeguards the use of taxpayer dollars. Faced with this bargaining impasse, the blue-collar workers have received a mandate to apply pressure tactics, up to and including the possibility of a general strike. First adopted in May 2025, this mandate was renewed on March 18, 2026, by 99% of the members.
“Our members have been patient, and they will do their part to advance negotiations. Now it’s up to the city to make a choice: reach an agreement with employees that recognizes their expertise, or continue to favor contracting-out. After more than two years without a collective agreement, our members are determined to be shown the respect they deserve,” concluded Mr. Sheepwash.
Residents can learn more about our campaign and the issues in this labour dispute by visiting: