Montreal’s blue‑collar workforce and its union have warned the city that a strike could begin in September 2026 if contract and salary demands are not resolved before the UCI Road World Championships. The threat comes as the international cycling event approaches, placing the dispute in a high‑profile timeframe.
The workers have been operating without a collective agreement since 2025, after the previous contract expired. Negotiations between the union and the City of Montreal have continued throughout this period, but no new agreement has been reached.
The union’s primary request is for additional concessions from the municipal government, with a particular focus on higher wages. While specific figures have not been disclosed, the emphasis on increased pay underscores the union’s belief that current compensation does not meet the cost of living or the demands of the jobs involved.
If the city does not meet the union’s demands before the start of the world championships, the workers say they are prepared to walk out. The timing could affect city services and infrastructure that support the event, although the exact scope of any disruption has not been detailed.
City officials have indicated that they remain engaged in talks with the union and are assessing the situation. No final offer has been announced, and the municipality has not confirmed a response to the union’s request for higher wages.
Both parties face a narrowing window to settle the dispute before the September sporting event. The union has set the championship opening as a deadline for reaching a new agreement, while the city continues to negotiate without committing to a specific timeline. The outcome will determine whether Montreal’s blue‑collar workers proceed with a strike that could coincide with the global cycling competition.