Hours before a complete shutdown of services and a month-long reduction of service hours, Montreal’s public transit authority is actively negotiating to mitigate the impact of two upcoming strikes. During a news conference, the executive director of the STM, Marie-Claude Léonard, stated that efforts were underway to reach agreements with the unions to minimize disruptions.
If no resolution is reached, bus and Metro services will cease entirely on Saturday from 4 a.m. to just before 4 a.m. on Sunday due to a planned 24-hour strike by the union representing drivers, Metro operators, and station agents. Additionally, starting tonight at 10 p.m., 2,400 maintenance workers from the Syndicat du Transport de Montréal are set to strike, leading to reduced bus and Metro services during peak hours in the morning and afternoon, as well as late-night hours. This modified schedule will be in effect daily for four weeks until November 28.
During the strike, buses will operate within specific time frames, including normal service from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with night service available from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Similarly, Metros will run during set hours, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 5:50 p.m., with night service from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Outside of these hours, Metro stations will be closed for safety reasons.
The adapted transit service will continue during the strike period to support commuters. The STM acknowledges the significant disruption this situation poses to riders, as mentioned by Katherine Roux Groleau, the STM’s public affairs director.
The Quebec labor tribunal has approved the bus drivers’ strike, prompting discussions between the STM and the unions to ensure essential services are maintained. Negotiations are ongoing with the Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes, with the mediation process being facilitated by a mediator soon to be appointed.
Despite challenges in negotiations with maintenance workers, the STM is committed to exploring all possibilities to avoid a strike. Remaining issues revolve around wage increases and outsourcing, as the STM faces budget constraints. The union opposes outsourcing, citing potential long-term cost implications.
The maintenance workers’ union, who have previously gone on strike twice this year, are preparing for their longest strike yet. The union representatives are working towards an agreement while criticizing the STM’s stance. The upcoming strikes are scheduled, with the bus and Metro drivers planning a strike on November 15 and 16.
The STM advises commuters to stay informed about any schedule changes by visiting their website.