On September 8, 2026, the City of Montreal and the Montreal Firefighters Association announced that they had reached a principle agreement to resume collective bargaining. The deal follows the expiration of the previous collective agreement on January 1, 2024, which left the two parties without a formal contract for more than two years.
The principle agreement marks the conclusion of negotiations that have been ongoing since the contract lapsed in early 2024. While the new agreement does not contain the final terms of employment, it establishes a framework that will guide both sides as they work toward a comprehensive collective agreement.
The expired contract had created a prolonged period without a binding agreement, prompting the city and the union to seek a pathway back to formal negotiations. By agreeing to a principle framework, both parties aim to address outstanding issues while ensuring that essential fire‑protection services continue uninterrupted.
According to the statement released by the city, the principle agreement sets out the basic parameters for future discussions, including a schedule for subsequent bargaining sessions and the procedural rules that will govern them. The union’s release echoed the sentiment, emphasizing a shared commitment to return to the negotiating table and to reach a mutually acceptable contract.
Both the municipal administration and the firefighters’ representatives highlighted the importance of the agreement for public safety. They noted that a stable labor relationship is essential for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of Montreal’s fire‑fighting forces.
The development follows months of stalled talks that began shortly after the January 1, 2024 expiry. By securing a principle agreement, the city and the union have taken a concrete step toward ending the bargaining impasse that has lingered since the contract’s termination.