Montreal and the Montreal Firefighters Association announced on September 8, 2026 that they have reached a principle agreement to replace the collective bargaining contract that has been expired since January 1, 2024. The deal marks the conclusion of more than two years of negotiations after the city operated without a formal firefighters contract following the lapse of the previous agreement.
The city had been managing fire‑fighter labor relations without a binding collective agreement for the duration of the gap, a situation that prompted both sides to intensify talks in order to restore a stable framework for working conditions, wages and benefits. Officials from the municipal government and representatives of the union said the principle agreement establishes a foundation for a new contract that will address the core issues that have been pending since the 2024 expiration.
Under the terms of the principle deal, the parties have agreed on a set of overarching provisions that will guide the drafting of a full collective agreement. While specific details of the forthcoming contract have not been disclosed, the agreement is described as covering the essential elements required to ensure continuity of service and labor peace for Montreal’s fire‑fighter workforce.
The next phase involves presenting the principle agreement to the rank‑and‑file members of the Montreal Firefighters Association for ratification, followed by formal approval from the city council. Both entities indicated that they anticipate a swift review process, aiming to finalize a comprehensive contract that will replace the long‑standing vacancy.
City officials highlighted that restoring a collective bargaining agreement is critical for maintaining public safety and operational readiness. The resolution of the contract dispute is expected to provide certainty for firefighters and allow municipal resources to focus on service delivery rather than ongoing labor negotiations.