Montreal Transit Maintenance Workers Plan Third Strike Covering Most of November

Montreal’s public transit maintenance workers are set to strike for the entire month of November. This action marks their third work stoppage since June.

Details of the Strike

The strike, organized by the union representing 2,400 employees, will kick off on Halloween night and last until November 28. During this period, workers will refuse to work overtime, leading to occasional disruptions in bus and metro services.

Impact on Transit Services

The specifics of these service interruptions have not been clarified. However, disruptions are expected primarily outside of peak travel hours. Commuters should anticipate potential delays and limited service during the strike.

Reason for the Strike

The union has cited the transit agency’s “inflexibility” in contract negotiations as the primary reason for this strike. They have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in reaching a new agreement.

Government Involvement

In an attempt to mediate the situation, Labour Minister Jean Boulet appointed a team of conciliator-mediators in October. This decision was made after previous mediation efforts failed.

Management’s Response

Transit agency management has expressed disappointment regarding the union’s decision to strike. They argue that the latest negotiation attempts were not given adequate time to yield results, as mediation efforts have only been underway for two weeks.

Conclusion

As the strike approaches, commuters in Montreal need to prepare for possible service interruptions throughout November. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between transit employees and management regarding contract negotiations.