STM Strike Halts Bus and Metro Services This Weekend
Montreal commuters face a major public transit disruption this weekend. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is set for a complete shutdown of bus and Metro services on Saturday and Sunday. This comes after a ruling from the Tribunal administratif du travail allowing the union representing bus drivers, Metro operators, and station agents to strike.
Details of the Strike
The service disruption follows a series of strikes affecting Montreal’s public transit this year. Earlier, the maintenance workers’ union suspended its month-long strike that previously limited service to rush hours and late-night operations.
Impacted Services
- Complete shutdown for bus and Metro services.
- Only adapted transit services will operate this weekend.
The union had last engaged in a one-day strike on November 1, further impacting public transportation. The labour tribunal’s recent decision determined that halting services would not threaten public safety, despite concerns raised by various organizations.
Involvement of Local Organizations
Several groups urged the tribunal to reconsider its ruling. These included:
- Montreal Airport
- Montreal Public Health
- Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau
- Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)
The tribunal concluded that a weekend interruption would not pose an obvious threat to health and safety.
Legal Context
Contract disputes have led to multiple service interruptions this year. The maintenance workers’ union has previously held three strikes, one lasting nine days in June and another two-week strike late September into October. The provincial government can expedite the resolution of strikes affecting essential services under Law 14, effective November 30.
Legislative Action
On Wednesday, Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet introduced a bill to expedite Law 14 implementation. He emphasized its importance in light of the upcoming strike. Although questions arose regarding the potential impact of this bill on the tribunal’s ruling, the tribunal confirmed it would proceed as planned with its decision.
This weekend’s strikes signal a continuing challenge for public transportation in Montreal, as commuters brace for further disruptions.
