On Saturday, Montreal experienced a complete shutdown of its bus and Metro services as approximately 4,500 workers, including bus drivers, Metro operators, and station agents, went on strike and gathered for a demonstration in the downtown area.
Frédéric Therrien, the president of the union representing the workers, Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes, addressed the media outside Palais des congrès. He emphasized that unless progress is made at the negotiation table, two more strike days are planned for November 15 and 16.
The union is advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages. Therrien highlighted that half of the absent workers are on leave due to psychological stress caused by exhaustion and pressure.
While stating that the union is actively seeking solutions, Therrien noted that reaching a resolution will come at a cost. He acknowledged that the service disruption would inconvenience the public but emphasized that it was a necessary step after exhausting alternative pressure tactics that aimed to minimize inconvenience to public transit users.
This recent 24-hour work stoppage marks the first bus drivers’ strike in 38 years, as highlighted by Therrien.
Therrien emphasized that the union’s fight is not just for better wages but also for the enhancement of public transportation quality in Montreal, stating, “It’s important for the public to know that we are fighting for them too today.”
Patrick Gloutney, president of the Quebec branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, attributed the current situation to underfunding of public transit by both the City of Montreal and the Quebec government.
Trajectoire Québec, an organization that promotes public transportation throughout the province, expresses concerns about the month-long transit strike in Montreal, anticipating a challenging situation for those dependent on public transit.
Gloutney criticized the reduction of services, highlighting that cutting services would not lead to service improvement for the population.
The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) reported ongoing negotiations with the drivers’ union, identifying mutual solutions and efficiency measures to support wage improvements through self-financing.
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