Montreal avoids transit strike with last-minute union deal before weekend
Montreal's public transit network has averted a planned strike this weekend after reaching a last-minute, tentative deal with its drivers' union. The agreement, reviewed and approved by the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT), ensures regular bus and metro service will continue as scheduled.
The strike, initially set to begin early Saturday and last until Monday, was called off following negotiations that resulted in compromises from all sides while respecting the established financial framework. The union, representing about 4,500 bus drivers, metro operators, and station agents, had planned to strike for two days beginning Wednesday.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is considered an 'essential service' and must be maintained during a labour dispute. Quebec's labour tribunal ruled that 33 members must be available on November 19 to ensure public health and safety in the network. The STM accessed its official website to inform the public about the ratification of the preliminary contract by the union.
The tentative deal allows the union's roughly 4,500 members to decide on the agreement through democratic structures. The union's goal was to resolve the conflict at the bargaining table, which they successfully achieved with the averting of the strike this weekend.
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