Judge orders Montreal, blue-collar staff to compensate icy sidewalk victims

MONTREAL - A Quebec judge has ordered the City of Montreal and its blue-collar workers to pay at least $2 million to citizens who tumbled on icy sidewalks.

The unionized workers, locked in a labour dispute with the city at the time, refused to spread salt or sand on the ice-covered walkways as an illegal pressure tactic during a 2004 storm.

Black ice caused pedestrians to slip and slide all over the city, as they tried to navigate sidewalks that looked more like skating rinks.

Superior Court Justice Danielle Grenier ruled Wednesday that unionized workers acted in a "reprehensible" manner and their behaviour had an "unheard of lack of concern."

She ruled that both the municipality and the workers were negligent and immature in how they handled the potentially dangerous situation.

The union must now pay members of a class-action suit $2 million for injuries and other damages sustained as a result of the slick conditions, the judge ruled.

For its part, Montreal was also ordered to compensate citizens for damages.

To date, around 70 people have signed up for the class-action suit, a number the group's lawyers say could eventually double.

Grace Biondi, who fell and smacked her head on the ground during the December storm, launched the lawsuit five years ago.

Biondi primarily targeted blue-collar workers, who she says refused to address the icy sidewalks with the "sole purpose of taking the public hostage."

"It's an extremely substantial ruling," said Bruce Johnston, a lawyer who represents the class-action members.

Montreal's human resources director said the city is pleased Grenier recognized the union's tactics that winter as illegal.

But Jean-Yves Hinse said the administration disagrees deeply with the part of her ruling that orders the city to compensate victims. He said Montreal plans to appeal the decision.