The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is set to experience its fourth public transport strike in less than a year, commencing December 11 and concluding January 11. This strike affects maintenance employees and is anticipated to have limited impact on users, according to recent statements.
Details of the Montreal Strike
The Administrative Labor Tribunal (TAT) approved the strike, which was announced after a union notice submitted at the beginning of December. Judge Anick Chainey provided insight into the strike’s anticipated effects, noting that, while there are significant inconveniences, a real danger to the public was not established.
Impact on Services
This strike will primarily involve withholding of overtime hours. Services will not be completely halted, but the STM expects a reduction in available buses on the roads. Meanwhile, the metro service is projected to remain largely unaffected due to its operational capacity.
- Metro: Minimal to no impact expected.
- Buses: Possible cancellations and reduced operating hours anticipated.
As the strike progresses, STM warns of a shortage of operational vehicles, stating that maintenance issues could arise. The union, however, disputes this claim. Union president Bruno Jeannotte argues that the bus service will remain stable due to the holiday break when schools are closed and availability of drivers and buses is high.
Contrasting Perspectives
Marie-Claude Léonard, the STM director, presents a differing view, arguing that the combined effect of the holiday period and the reduction in overtime will significantly impact bus service. Jeannotte, in response, suggested that the strike was avoidable if the STM had adopted a more flexible negotiation stance.
Ongoing Negotiations
The discussions between the union and STM continue to focus on unresolved issues, including:
- Creation of atypical schedules
- Employee relocation between facilities
- Uncompensated overtime
- Use of subcontracting
Philippe Jacques, spokesperson for the user group Trajectoire Québec, urged both parties to seek arbitration to resolve the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for an end to the disputes that have led to repeated strikes.
