MONTREAL – Work sites across the island were a little quieter than usual Tuesday, as city engineers protested the fact that they haven’t had a collective agreement since Dec. 31, 2010.
The general strike could affect as many as 400 construction projects.
“A lot of construction sites are going to be closed,” said union vice-president Gisella Gesuale.
“That means a lot of work that was planned for this summer will be slowed down or even put at a stop.”
The union representing the city’s engineers, chemists and veterinarians voted 94 per cent in favour of the strike, insisting there’s no money in public works.
“Right now, our salary is below the market,” said Gesuale.
“If you compare us to other markets, our salary is low. We’re actually underpaid.”
Out of the union’s 440 members, only five engineers will be at work at any given time to ensure essential projects continue to move forward.
Workers said they had no choice but to walk off the job.
“We feel bad for, and apologize to Montrealers,” said Gesuale.
“We didn’t want to affect traffic but we had no choice.”
Montreal engineers argued the city’s current offer shows a 9 per cent salary decrease, along with $12 million in concessions.
City officials denounced the strike and said they are still willing to negotiate.
Montrealers can check Info-Travaux to see how work across the island will be affected.
Comments