Laval blue-collar workers on strike

Laval City Hall on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Laval's blue-collar workers are on strike for six days. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

Blue-collar workers in Laval began their general strike on Thursday morning, interrupting certain services until the middle of next week.

The president of the Syndicat des cols bleus de Laval, Louis-Pierre Plourde, said in a press release that the workers are there, “day after day for residents,” and “it is now up to the city to be there for its employees.”

According to the union, the city’s last pay offer was in the region of 19.5 per cent over seven years, “which does not allow workers to make up the purchasing power lost over the last four years.”

The week-long strike, which is due to last until 5 a.m. next Wednesday, is causing a number of disruptions.

The Centre de la nature is closed, as are the municipal arenas.

However, planned activities at Place Bell are not expected to be affected.

In general, the city suggests consulting its website for further information, as other services or establishments could be affected, depending on the circumstances.

The main ecocentre is slated to operate on a modified schedule, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

The affected local of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), affiliated with the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), represents 655 blue-collar workers and 206 casuals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 6, 2025.