The Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal, CUPE 301, representing 6,600 blue collar workers, voted in favor of the tentative agreement presented by their bargaining committee. Following a consultation process and electronic voting, the members voted 78.51% in favor of the agreement.
The new collective agreement includes many improvements for the workers, including a general wage increase, improvements to articles favoring a better work-life balance, better recognition for internal expertise as well as improved processes for worker mobility.
“It is thanks to the solidarity and mobilisation of Montreal blue collar workers that we were able to achieve a more than satisfactory contract. Our members demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the bargaining process. Today, we can be proud of the progress we have made and the improvements we have won by working together,” said Nicolas De Ciccio, president of CUPE 301.
The ratification of this agreement is the result of a rigorous process to allow as much input as possible from blue collar workers on their collective agreement. Members participated in two general meetings, one held at the Palais de congrès on Sunday, October 25, and a second one at the Rizz on October 27. The bargaining committee also made themselves available on Wednesday, October 28, until 8 pm to answer questions from members. The electronic voting process began October 25 and was completed by 9 am on October 29. This was a first for CUPE 301, and the presentation of the tentative agreement and documents were given to the members who attended the general meeting to allow them to study the changes in detail, allowing them to have as much information as possible before they voted.
“We had committed to openness and transparency for our members, and that is exactly what we delivered. We wanted every blue collar worker to understand the proposed contract changes, giving them an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. It was important for us to deliver on this democratic process all along the way,” said Nicolas De Ciccio, in closing.
Ratification clears the path to the official signing of the collective agreement, which will occur by December. This brings to a close a long and difficult bargaining round during which Montreal blue collar workers demonstrated their utmost determination to improve their working conditions.