STM Drivers Plan Three-Day Strike This November
Employees of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including bus drivers, metro operators, and maintenance staff, are set to strike on November 1, 15, and 16. This announcement comes as a significant escalation in ongoing contract negotiations.
Details of the Strike Announcement
The strike, initially planned for November 1, 8, and 9, was adjusted to the new dates due to legal constraints preventing simultaneous strikes. The SCFP-1983 union, representing approximately 4,500 employees, conveyed the change. Frédéric Therrien, the union president, highlighted the frustration over STM’s inability to address contract issues effectively.
Therrien stated, “We have reached a breaking point—STM can no longer find solutions to our collective agreement problems.” This sentiment echoes across various other unions within STM facing similar negotiation challenges.
Previous Actions by Workers
Before resorting to a strike, STM employees engaged in various forms of protest. They wore orange shirts, placed stickers throughout the metro stations, and abstained from parking their buses at the STM garages. These measures aimed to apply pressure before resorting to strikes.
Future Negotiations
SCFP-1983 indicates that further negotiations will continue in the coming weeks. Therrien warned that if the initial strike does not lead to satisfactory results, more strikes could follow. “We are prepared for a general strike if necessary,” he confirmed in a press release.
Impact on Services
Specific details about service disruptions during the strike are still pending. The Administrative Labor Tribunal will determine if the STM can maintain essential services during the strike. However, the SCFP-1983 has assured that adapted transportation services will continue unaffected.
Concerns from Maintenance Workers
Bruno Jeannotte, president of the STM Maintenance Workers’ Union, which represents maintenance workers, voiced hope for reaching an agreement before their expected strike starting on October 31. Jeannotte emphasized the importance of a collaborative negotiation atmosphere.
- Start of strike: November 1, 15, and 16
- Maintenance workers’ potential strike: October 31 to November 28
- Number of workers represented: 4,500
Government Intervention Risk
With impending legislation allowing government intervention in labor disputes, there are concerns about potential arbitration. This could limit the workers’ ability to negotiate freely. Jeannotte expressed a preference for negotiated contracts over government-directed arbitration.
The situation remains dynamic, with both sides preparing for negotiations amidst the potential for interruption to public transit services. The next few weeks will be critical for all parties involved in resolving these labor disputes at STM.
