Blue-collar workers warn of possible strike during world cycling championships in September
Montreal's 6,200 city workers haven't had a collective agreement since December 2024. Union says the city is contracting out work instead of negotiating.
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Montreal's blue-collar workers are threatening to intensify pressure tactics as the UCI Road World Championships approach—a major event set for September 20–27 that's expected to draw nearly 500,000 spectators and 200 million television viewers worldwide.
The Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union, which represents 6,200 members, says the city has stalled negotiations for a collective agreement that expired on December 31, 2024. In a statement Monday, union president Nicolas De Ciccio said workers showed good faith by participating in asphalt resurfacing for the cycling championships, but the city did not reciprocate.
"This affront shows a lack of respect for these workers and for the taxpayers," De Ciccio said, noting that work contracted out to the private sector comes with higher costs than if it were done in-house. About ten negotiation sessions have taken place since May, but the city remains rigid on monetary issues at the center of the dispute.
Blue-collar workers have already struck twice—one day in February and three days in April—as part of these negotiations. "If the City of Montreal does not accelerate the pace of negotiations, the Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union will have no choice but to intensify its pressure tactics, which could lead to a historic labour dispute during the World Championships," De Ciccio warned. HighOnCity reported in August that major traffic warnings were in effect for September's cycling event, and the union's potential action could compound those disruptions.
What specific wage and benefit increases are the union demanding, and what has the city's last offer been?
Has the city prepared contingency plans for essential services—garbage collection, street maintenance, transit repairs—if a strike happens during the championships?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When are the UCI Road World Championships happening in Montreal?
The UCI Road World Championships are set for September 20–27, 2026, in Montreal.
How many city workers does the Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union represent?
The Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union represents 6,200 members.
When did Montreal's collective agreement with blue-collar workers expire?
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024.
How many times have blue-collar workers struck since negotiations began?
Blue-collar workers have struck twice—once for one day in February 2026 and once for three days in April 2026.
