The newly elected mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, is calling for an urgent meeting with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) amid a significant strike by maintenance workers. The strike, which began on October 29, has been disrupting public transit services, limiting metro and bus schedules outside peak hours.
Urgent Meeting Requested
During her first press conference as mayor on October 30, Martinez Ferrada emphasized the importance of negotiating a resolution. She stated, “My number one priority is to negotiate with STM. We must resolve this issue as it directly impacts citizens daily.”
Impact of the Strike
The strike has resulted in a temporary suspension of services for three days, affecting many commuters. Without an agreement by November 28, the metro and buses will be operational only during peak hours and late evening.
On the strike’s first weekend, a complete service shutdown occurred, marking the first such closure in 38 years.
Meeting with Key Officials
Martinez Ferrada has arranged an urgent meeting with two key figures: Benoit Dagenais, the City’s General Director, and Marie-Claude Léonard, the STM’s General Director. Léonard expressed her availability to meet with the mayor at her convenience, signaling a willingness to address the situation swiftly.
Negotiation Challenges and Worker Rights
While discussing the negotiations, the mayor clarified her opposition to special laws that would limit workers’ rights. She stressed the need for good faith negotiations and a clear schedule outlining the process. Issues in contention include atypical work schedules, employee transfers, subcontracting, and salary discrepancies.
Salary Comparisons
- The STM has proposed a 12.5% salary increase over five years.
- Only 1% of this increase is contingent on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- In contrast, employees of the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) have received 18% increases.
Public Reaction to Service Disruptions
The strike has significantly affected daily commuters. Stations such as Peel and McGill have witnessed fewer passengers, with many users expressing frustration over locked doors and limited access. Users like Celia Mektoul and Ivette Eugène shared their challenges in reaching their workplaces, highlighting the personal toll of the disrupted services.
Community Feedback
Community sentiment is strong, with calls for government intervention. Many citizens remain hopeful for a quick resolution, as evidenced by feedback on social media. A survey by the Transport Research at McGill (TRAM) found that 98% of Montrealers regard public transport as essential, and many experience significant stress due to service disruptions.
Future Outlook
With ongoing negotiations required between the STM and its employees, the urgency for resolution cannot be overstated. Citizens depend on reliable public transport for their daily activities, and the mayor’s prompt actions reflect a commitment to restoring normalcy.
