On September 8, 2026, the City of Montreal and the Montreal Firefighters Association announced they have reached a principle agreement to renew their collective bargaining agreement.
The agreement comes after a period of negotiations between the municipal government and the union representing the city’s fire personnel. Both sides indicated the principle deal resolves key points and clears a path toward a final contract.
The principle agreement is a preliminary step that sets out the main terms that will be incorporated into a full collective agreement. It signals that the parties have found common ground on the major issues that have been under discussion.
With the principle agreement in place, the next phase will involve drafting the detailed language of the contract and obtaining formal approval from the respective governing bodies. The city and the union have said they will continue to work together to finalize the document.
The development is expected to bring stability to the fire department’s labor relations and allow firefighters to focus on public safety duties without the uncertainty of an ongoing dispute. It also avoids the need for any work stoppage that could have impacted emergency services.
Officials from both the municipal administration and the firefighters' union expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing their shared commitment to the safety of Montreal residents.
Collective bargaining agreements in the public sector outline wages, benefits, scheduling and safety protocols for members. By reaching a principle agreement, the city and the firefighters' association have laid the groundwork for these elements to be defined in the upcoming final contract.