Negotiations are dragging with Lachute inside workers and a strike mandate is imminent

Inside workers with the Town of Lachute, Québec have been without a contract since January 1, 2024. After four meetings, talks are now at an impasse, particularly with respect to monetary issues and job evaluations.

The union had asked that negotiations begin prior to the end of the collective agreement, but the employer turned down the idea, claiming that they wanted to finalize the maintenance of pay equity from 2016 to 2020. To date, this matter has not yet been resolved, and at this pace, the exercise will not be completed before the spring of 2025.

On June 7, the union bargaining committee demanded that negotiations speed up and asked that the employer submit a comprehensive offer to wrap up negotiations before the summer. In response, they did submit a proposal on June 27, which was perceived as a slap in the face. It called for a wage hike of 8.25% along with a lump sum of 1.5% over 5 years, when the union was hoping instead for 18% over 5 years accompanied by with increased vacation credits and improvements to the insurance plan. The employer then made a new comprehensive order for 10.25% over 5 years last September 30. Note that neighbouring municipalities are submitting increases as high as 24% for the same period.

Given these circumstances, members of CUPE 2188 voted 91% in favour of a mandate calling for pressure tactics up to and including strike action to be exercised at an opportune time. Notices will be sent to the Tribunal administratif du travail within a few days.

Even though the union has agreed to make compromises, particularly by increasing the number of hours worked for about ten or so positions to offer more services to citizens, the employer is refusing to show the same flexibility and improve its offer at the bargaining table. Two meetings had to be cancelled in October, and the employer applied for mediation with the Ministry of Labour. As a result, this application resulted in the cancellation of the upcoming days of negotiation scheduled for October 28 and November 18, since we are now bound to the availability of the mediator who will be appointed.

"I invite town council officials to tell us whether they are supportive of this method of conducting negotiations. The employer's officials aren't taking this process seriously and are putting off signing this collective agreement by making ludicrous offers at the bargaining table. How much are these employees worth in their estimation? They're waiting for an answer," said CUPE representative Stéphane Paré

On November 4, the inside workers will go to the municipal council meeting to hear the mayor's response.