Workers at the Gatineau, Quebec transit agency went on strike on Monday morning, causing commuters in Ottawa-Gatineau to adjust their daily routines. The union representing mechanic supervisors, inspectors, and trainers at the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) had issued a strike threat if their demands were not met, resulting in the suspension of public transit services. Despite the STO proposing arbitration to resolve the dispute, the union rejected the offer.
The STO announced a complete halt in public transit services on Monday citing the inability to provide reliable and safe service without the striking workers. Only paratransit and on-demand services are currently operational. The ongoing disagreement between the union, ATU 1557, and the STO over wage disparities compared to similar positions in Ottawa and Quebec has contributed to the lack of a collective agreement since the end of 2022.
Riders had been advised by the transit agency to make alternate travel arrangements in anticipation of the strike. Additionally, the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada recommended public servants consider options like telework or flexible hours in response to the disruption in public transit services.