Blue collar workers demonstrate in LaSalle

In the midst of the 40-day rotating strike of Montreal’s blue collar workers, LaSalle’s workers staged a 24-hour strike in the corner of Newman Boulevard and Dollard Street on Tuesday, February 9. They were calling for the resignation of Mayor Manon Barbe.

Union local 301 of the union representing Montreal’s blue collar workers are accusing municipal officials for dismissing workers who have been working for several years just so they could meet their electoral promises relating to the local tax. “It’s a gesture that attacks people – putting them in a precarious situation instead of giving them permanent jobs. It’s easier to cut staff who provide direct services to residents than to question an expensive and heavy government that’s incomparable to any North American city.”

For the union, “today’s demonstration shows that the cutting of staff is being fully implemented among workers; we’re not going to leave our jobs and work conditions are ridiculous. You should, Mrs. Mayor, definitely leave office.”