After nearly two years of negotiations, the City of Deux-Montagnes is seeking outside help to break a deadlock with its white-collar employees, formally requesting the appointment of a mediator to move talks forward.
The decision follows 12 negotiation sessions held between June 2024 and January 2026 that have yet to produce a renewed collective agreement. While discussions have continued over that period, the lack of resolution has prompted the municipality to escalate the process through formal mediation.
Mayor Denis Martin described the move as a constructive step aimed at facilitating progress rather than signaling a breakdown in relations.
City officials say the goal is to reach an agreement that reflects current working conditions and organizational realities, particularly given that other municipal employee groups have already renewed their contracts months ago. The white-collar unit now stands as the only remaining group without an updated agreement, adding pressure to conclude negotiations.
Under Quebec labour law, mediation is commonly used when negotiations stall. A neutral third party is appointed to assist both sides in clarifying positions, narrowing differences, and identifying possible compromises. While the process is non-binding, it often serves to re-establish momentum and prevent further escalation.
The specific points of contention in Deux-Montagnes have not been disclosed publicly. However, collective agreement negotiations in the municipal sector typically focus on wages, benefits, workload expectations, and workplace organization.
The city maintains that its negotiating committee has made sustained efforts over the past year and remains committed to reaching a settlement. At the same time, municipal leaders are signaling that progress will depend on a willingness from both parties to move closer to common ground.
For now, the union representing white-collar employees has not issued a public response to the mediation request, leaving uncertainty about how talks may evolve in the coming weeks.
Although the dispute has not yet affected municipal services, prolonged negotiations can increase the risk of labour tensions, particularly if mediation fails to produce results.
By turning to a mediator at this stage, the City of Deux-Montagnes appears to be attempting to resolve the situation before it escalates further, while maintaining a measured and cooperative approach.
Whether that strategy will be enough to bring both sides to an agreement remains to be seen, but it marks a clear shift in tone as the city looks to conclude one of its longest-running labour negotiations in recent years.
