Montreal’s public transit system is facing a potential shutdown on Saturday as the union representing drivers, Metro operators, and station agents plans to go on strike for 24 hours unless an agreement is reached. The strike is scheduled to commence at 4 a.m. and conclude just before 4 a.m. on Sunday, during which time there will be no bus or Metro train operations.
Quebec’s labour tribunal has granted approval for the drivers’ strike, which was announced on Thursday, coinciding with a separate month-long strike by the maintenance workers’ union set to begin on Friday at 10 p.m. The tribunal’s ruling stated that Saturday’s strike does not pose a risk to health and safety, as no agencies consulted—including police, fire, and ambulance services—requested an increased level of service.
The airport authority, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), had requested the 747 bus line to operate during the 24-hour strike, but this request was denied. Adapted transport services will remain fully operational during the strike, with the union ensuring adequate personnel availability for any exceptional situations that may arise.
Additionally, the drivers’ union, Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes (SCFP 1983), has issued a strike notice for November 15 and 16, potentially impacting bus and Metro services. The STM will hold a press conference on Friday at 9 a.m. to update the public on the impending strikes.
Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, bus and Metro services will be limited to rush hours for the majority of November, including during Sunday’s municipal election. The Syndicat du transport de Montréal, representing 2,400 maintenance employees at the STM, has already gone on strike twice this year.
The upcoming month-long strike will be the longest yet, authorized by Quebec’s labour tribunal to last for four weeks, with only rush-hour services operational throughout. Night bus and Metro services will also be available during specified hours. The strike is slated to continue until November 28 at 10 p.m., unless a resolution is reached before the deadline.