Les cols bleus de Montréal, the city’s blue‑collar workforce, announced plans to cause disruptions during the upcoming cycling championships in Montreal. The decision follows the expiration of their collective agreement with the City of Montreal on December 31, 2024, leaving the workers without a current contract.
The group indicated that the lack of a renewed agreement has prompted them to consider action at the high‑profile sporting event. By targeting the championships, the workers aim to draw attention to the unresolved labour negotiations with municipal authorities.
City officials have been aware that the contract lapsed at the end of 2024 and that discussions about a new agreement remain ongoing. The timing of the planned disruptions coincides with the championships, an event that attracts both local and international participants and spectators.
While details of the specific tactics have not been disclosed, the workers’ statement emphasizes that the disruptions are intended to highlight the need for a new collective bargaining arrangement. The city has not released a comment on the potential impact on the championships or on any measures being taken to address the workers’ concerns.
The cycling championships are scheduled to take place in Montreal later this year, and the prospect of interruptions could affect the event’s schedule and attendance. Both the athletes and organizers may need to prepare for possible delays or alterations as the labour dispute unfolds.
The situation underscores the broader challenges faced when municipal labour agreements lapse without immediate renewal, and it places the upcoming sporting event under a cloud of uncertainty as negotiations continue.