The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) aims to settle ongoing contract disputes with union groups for bus drivers and maintenance workers by November 15. A strike that has lasted for a month was instigated by the maintenance workers’ union as they seek better wages and working conditions.
Overview of the Current Transit Strike Situation
STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard announced that they are under pressure to resolve disputes before a planned two-day strike on November 15 and 16. This announcement followed a week of significant public transit disruptions.
Union Negotiations Update
Léonard mentioned that the new mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, has emphasized the urgency in resolving these labor disagreements. She stated that organizations affected by the strike should communicate with the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) to express the service disruptions’ effects on them.
- Public hearings on service levels are set for Monday, with decisions expected afterward.
- Due to contract negotiations, two separate strikes have taken place this month.
Arbitration as a Potential Solution
If a settlement is not reached by the deadline, STM may seek arbitration. The last maintenance workers’ strike started on October 31, making it the third strike in 2025, with previous strikes lasting nine and fourteen days.
Contract Disputes and Financial Concerns
The STM is currently facing unprecedented financial challenges, complicating negotiations. The focus points for dispute resolution include wage increases and outsourcing issues.
This month, bus drivers and Metro operators resumed their first strike in 38 years, culminating in a 24-hour work stoppage. Negotiations saw some progress after a mediator joined discussions on Monday to facilitate bus drivers’ negotiations.
Maintenance Workers’ Union Challenges
Negotiating with the maintenance workers’ union remains difficult. This union, representing 2,400 STM employees, has indicated a willingness to strike if satisfactory agreements are not reached promptly. Union president Bruno Jeannotte criticized the STM for its stances on salary and subcontracting.
Impact on Monthly Pass Sales
Sales of monthly Zone A passes have significantly dropped. As of November 4, only 100,731 passes were sold, which is less than half compared to the same time last year. The drop reflects public sentiment and service interruptions caused by the strikes.
Service Reductions During Ongoing Strikes
During the current maintenance strike, bus and Metro services will be limited throughout the week. The operating hours have been adjusted to accommodate peak traffic needs:
| Service Type | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Bus Service | 6:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. |
| Metro Service | 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., until usual closing time |
These adjustments reflect the necessity to meet commuter needs while negotiating labor agreements. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the STM strives to avert further strikes.
