A potential upcoming strike may disrupt Montreal commuters if the ongoing dispute between the maintenance workers’ union at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and their employer remains unresolved. President Bruno Jeannotte of the Syndicat du transport de Montréal–CSN indicated that while exploring various options, a strike could be imminent.
The maintenance workers have been on strike since the previous Monday, and if negotiations do not progress, the strike is anticipated to persist until October 5. Public transit services are currently operating at reduced capacity on select weekdays but are prioritizing essential services during peak hours. A previous strike also occurred in June.
During recent negotiations, Jeannotte presented a proposal that he deemed fair and beneficial to the employer, emphasizing flexibility in managing labor within the workplace, a key demand. However, he criticized the STM for sending negotiators lacking familiarity with workers’ realities and displaying a closed attitude at the bargaining table.
Jeannotte expressed concerns about the absence of representatives from operations management, human resources, or the CEO during the weekend negotiations. He emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable individuals present to address workplace issues effectively.
The primary points of contention for the union revolve around work schedules and the STM’s reliance on subcontracting. In response, the STM stated that they had presented a counterproposal on Saturday, highlighting that the union’s offer did not advance certain clauses acceptable to the agency and demanded significant concessions with potential financial implications.
The STM reiterated its commitment to the negotiation process, emphasizing the need for modernization to reduce costs due to the agency’s financial challenges. Both parties are scheduled to continue discussions on Monday to seek a resolution and avoid a disruptive strike.
