Montreal suspends parking restrictions during upcoming blue-collar strike

A vehicle cleans a street in Montreal after heavy rain. Photo taken on July 14, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov)

The City of Montreal says parking restrictions will be suspended during the blue-collar strike scheduled April 15, 16, 17 and 18.

According to the announcement, mechanical street sweepers will not be operating during the action, so parking will be permitted on both sides of the streets throughout the city.

The lawful strike was called by the City of Montreal blue-collar workers’ union (SCFP 301).

The Administrative Labour Tribunal approved the list of essential services agreed upon by the city and the union to avoid endangering public health or safety.

Waste collection will not be affected by the action and will take place. The Tribunal noted that waste collection is primarily carried out by subcontractors in most boroughs.

In the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, the waste collection on April 15 will be maintained as part of essential services while the April 16 collection will be postponed to April 18, given that this collection is done by blue-collar workers.

The city said that although the street cleaning crew will remain operational, collection of street bins may be carried out at reduced frequency.

Sewer and waterworks will be carried out for public safety emergencies, while park maintenance will focus on site safety.