A moral accord brings an end to the work stoppage
Revamping the Residential Construction Sector in Montreal: A Tale of Strikes and Negotiations
In the bustling city of Montreal, a three-week long battle between the Construction Industry Alliance and the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ) finally came to an end on Wednesday. This conflict centered around the renewal of the collective agreement in the residential construction sector.
The residential sector was the sole construction sector that hadn't managed to renew its collective agreement before the April 30 deadline. The other three sectors - civil engineering/infrastructure, industrial, and institutional/commercial - had successfully accomplished this task.
The lengthy negotiations and the three-week strike have finally culminated in a proposed agreement, ending the impasse. This agreement, if ratified, will be in effect from 2025 to 2029.
The proposed agreement is not just a simple wage hike agreement. It's a result of extensive negotiations, emphasizing openness and diligence, aimed at finding a balance that benefits both parties. The residential sector, known for its distinct qualities and the ability of households to pay, has been taken into account during these negotiations.
The Construction Industry Alliance, representing 200,000 workers, answered the call by submitting this agreement to its members for ratification. The Alliance comprises five labor organizations, with FTQ-Construction being the most significant. On the other hand, APCHQ, representing 28,000 companies operating in residential construction or renovation, will also consult its members in the coming days and weeks.
The agreement outlines an 8% wage increase for the year 2025. For the years 2026, 2027, and 2028, an arbitration council will be called upon to decide, with a minimum of a 18% wage increase over the four years and a maximum of 24.35%. However, it's important to note that earlier, the union had demanded higher raises, specifically 22% for workers on five- to six-storey buildings and 24.3% for those working on smaller buildings.
The union's pursuit for better wages and contract terms led to the strike, despite government offers to mediate, including an arbitrator proposal by Quebec's Labour Minister. However, no back-to-work legislation was introduced during this period.
In the end, both parties have expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the strike and the proposed agreement. The Construction Industry Alliance is pleased to have resolved the conflict, while APCHQ sees it as a step towards creating a certain predictability that will enable employers, as well as workers, to contribute to the construction of thousands of homes that Quebec needs.
The proposed agreement, aimed at balancing the interests of both parties, not only includes an 8% wage increase in 2025, but also has an arbitration council deciding wage increases for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028, with a minimum of a 18% wage increase over the four years and a maximum of 24.35%. The residential construction sector, by successfully negotiating this deal, will also impact the broader finance and business landscape in Montreal and beyond.
