The union representing maintenance workers at STM has decided to halt their strike starting from 6 a.m. on November 12. This decision comes as the STM aims to resolve contract disputes with bus drivers and maintenance workers by November 15, putting an end to the ongoing month-long strike.
Following a week of public transit strikes, STM conducted a news conference to provide updates on the contract negotiations with the maintenance workers’ and bus drivers’ unions. STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard mentioned that Montreal’s new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, is keen on settling all labor disputes by November 15.
Léonard urged organizations affected by the strike to submit details to the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) outlining the repercussions of service disruptions and advocating for additional service. The TAT will determine the service level, but STM is determined to advocate for their clients as they find two days without service unacceptable. A hearing is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m.
The strike initiated by maintenance workers from the Syndicat du Transport de Montréal commenced at 10 p.m. on October 31, marking their third strike in 2025. Unless a last-minute agreement is reached, this strike could become their lengthiest this year, surpassing the previous strikes of 9 days in June and 14 days in September.
Key issues that remain unresolved include wage hikes and outsourcing, with STM emphasizing its challenging financial situation. The union representing bus drivers, Metro operators, and station agents staged a 24-hour strike last Saturday, their first in 38 years, and issued a strike notice for November 15 and 16, pending progress in negotiations.
Negotiations with the bus drivers’ union are progressing well, with a mediator joining discussions on Monday. STM is hopeful to reach an agreement with the bus drivers’ union before the deadline to avert consecutive strike days. However, negotiations with the maintenance workers’ union are proving to be more challenging.
STM public affairs director, Katherine Roux Groleau, highlighted the importance of finding common ground with maintenance workers and emphasized the need to work collaboratively within the public transit’s financial constraints. The union representing maintenance workers expressed discontent with STM’s stance on salaries and subcontracting.
As of November 4, the sales of monthly Zone A passes for November have declined compared to the previous year. The STM is now relying on Quebec’s labor tribunal to determine the adequacy of essential services proposed during potential strikes to ensure public safety.
During the maintenance workers’ strike, bus and Metro services will be limited to specific hours to accommodate rush hour needs. The STM has outlined reduced service schedules to mitigate the impact on commuters during the strike period.