Maintenance workers at Montreal’s transit authority have announced plans for a third strike of the year, potentially lasting a month. The Syndicat du transport de Montréal-CSN revealed that the strike is set to commence on the night of October 31 and end on November 28. The union criticized the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) for its perceived inflexibility during negotiations, citing over 115 meetings that failed to yield a resolution due to the STM’s resistance to adding necessary personnel to the discussions.
The union emphasized that despite ongoing mediation efforts, the STM’s unyielding stance hampers progress. If the strike proceeds as planned, it will impact the STM’s internal administration by suspending overtime work. While service disruptions are anticipated during the strike, the union aims to safeguard their conditions by resorting to strike action.
The primary issues at the heart of the dispute between the union and STM management revolve around work schedules and the STM’s heavy reliance on subcontracting. In response, STM’s executive director, Marie-Claude Léonard, expressed disappointment at the union’s swift decision to strike instead of allowing the nascent negotiation process, which began on October 7 with new mediators, to unfold. The STM highlighted its commitment to flexibility and financial prudence amid challenging circumstances.
Labour Minister Jean Boulet stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict swiftly to prevent further disruptions to public transportation services, emphasizing the need to consider public interests. Boulet hinted at the possibility of appointing an impartial arbitrator if negotiations reach an impasse.
Transit users may experience service disruptions as the union is required to provide a strike notice to the Tribunal administratif du travail at least seven working days before the strike. Essential services, including adapted service maintenance and maximum public transit on the upcoming municipal election day, will be maintained. The STM will communicate service impacts following the tribunal’s ruling on the proposed essential service levels.
The year’s earlier strikes lasted from June 9 to 17 and from September 22 to October 5, with varying service levels to meet essential needs on select days. The STM refuted claims of negotiation delays and alleged waiting for Quebec’s forthcoming labor law, Bill 89, which enhances Quebec’s authority in labor disputes and strike resolutions, effective November 30.