Quebec’s labor tribunal has ruled that the Metro and bus service in Montreal will be limited to rush hour only for most of November if no agreement is reached between the STM and its maintenance workers. The union representing 2,400 maintenance employees at the STM, known as the Syndicat du transport de Montréal, has declared a four-week strike starting Friday, October 31 at 10 p.m.
This strike, the third this year, will be longer than the previous ones, extending until November 28 at 10 p.m. Despite STM’s request to have regular service on November 2 for the municipal election, the tribunal decided against it, stating that public health and safety would not be jeopardized by the strike.
Judge François Beaubien affirmed that the strike would not impede citizens from voting since most polling stations are within walking distance of their homes. The tribunal has granted the union permission to strike for the full four weeks, with only rush-hour service to be maintained throughout, while paratransit services will continue without interruption.
Adjusted Service Hours During the Strike
During the strike, buses will operate normally from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while night bus services will run from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Metro services will run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 5:50 p.m., with night Metro service available from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Union’s Perspective on the Strike
Bruno Jeannotte, the president of the maintenance workers’ union, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the strike and emphasized efforts to reach a resolution. He criticized STM’s approach, stating that if they remain inflexible, they will be accountable for the strike. Despite over 115 negotiation sessions, no agreement has been reached, prompting the union to escalate pressure for a resolution.
The Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes (SCFP 1983), representing drivers, has also issued a strike notice affecting bus and Metro services on November 1, 15, and 16. The tribunal will decide on essential services if this strike occurs. Commuters are advised to stay informed about schedule changes through the STM’s website.
Tag: rewrite-pending