MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- As the eyes of the world turn to Montreal for the UCI Road World Cycling Championships, unions from across the globe are extending their solidarity to Montreal's blue-collar workers with video messages. The union is planning a strike from September 22 to 28, 2026—coinciding with an event that marks the most significant sporting event to take place here since the 1976 Olympic Games.

"We have received support from unions in Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and several other countries, because our struggle against inflation and declining living wages resonates with workers everywhere. These union representatives are joining their voices with ours to show solidarity in the fight for meaningful salary increases—and against impoverishment!" explained Nicolas De Ciccio, President of the Montreal Blue-Collar Workers' Union (CUPE 301).

Montreal is not treating its employees as they deserve. While deemed essential during snowstorms or floods, they are ignored when their contracts expire. The union points out that the wage increases proposed by the City of Montreal fall below recent inflation rates and that the workers have been without a contract for two years.

"We will not recommend an agreement that leaves our members worse off. Working in every corner of the city, blue-collar workers are true pillars of Montreal's municipal services—they always step up when needed! We thank these international unions for sending us messages of solidarity," concluded Mr. De Ciccio.

It is worth noting that blue-collar workers are responsible for road maintenance and paving, in water treatment plants, and in the upkeep of gardens, parks, and the animals at the Biodôme, as well as in all the other services that make this city so attractive.

SOURCE Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (FTQ)