MONTREAL – White-collar workers with the Montreal police force are used to dealing with high-stress situations.
Now, 911 operators and police dispatchers said they have an added pressure – a battle with their own bosses.
“It’s a war between the City of Montreal and white-collars,” said 911 operator Jean-Pierre Chalifoux.
The emergency number is considered an essential service, so while some workers are on the picket lines, others will still be on the phone.
The City of Montreal wants to privatize and subcontract some white-collar work.
They’re also considering reducing the overall budget for salaries.
“They want to cut everything. We work shifts, weekend, holidays and everything. We are not very happy,” said Chalifoux.
There are nearly 8,000 white-collar workers on strike; they insist the City of Montreal isn’t taking them seriously.
“I think they’re making fun of us, actually. The way they’re negotiating right now, they’re not playing fair at all,” said secretary Brigitte Thiboutot.
White-collar workers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2011.
“I don’t think they respect us because if they did, they would want to sign us,” said police dispatcher Line Cinq-Mars.
“I’ve worked for the city for 26 years and it’s the first time we’ve had those problems with the administration.”
Global News contacted the City of Montreal’s Director General Alain Marcoux for an interview; he declined.
“It’s a big stress. There are worries to keep our jobs because the city wants us to go private instead of keeping us, so it’s a big stress for everyone,” said Thiboutot.
Rotating strikes are planned for the next month and a half.
On March 1, all non-essential workers will walk off the job in a one-day general strike.
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