Montreal transit chaos looms as unions threaten November strikes over stalled talks

Two unions are poised to cripple Montreal’s buses and metros next month. Can last-ditch talks—or binding arbitration—stop the gridlock before rush-hour chaos begins?

, and Administrator

2025 November 9 . 9:15 PM

1 min read

In this image there is a building. There is text on the building. There is a flag to the pole on... — In this image there is a building. There is text on the building. There is a flag to the pole on the wall of the building. In front of the building there is a railing on the walkway. In front of the railing there are barriers. In the bottom right there is the road.

Montreal transit chaos looms as unions threaten November strikes over stalled talks

Montreal's transit union faces potential disruptions as two unions plan strikes in November. The union opposes the planned action and is seeking a resolution before Nov. 15. Talks with the maintenance workers' union are proving challenging.

The transit union, led by Marie-Claude Leónard, has not yet engaged with the subway drivers' union regarding their planned two-day strike on Nov. 15-16. The union opposes the strike and is awaiting approval from the administrative labour tribunal.

Negotiations with the maintenance workers' union, representing 2,400 employees, are more complex. They plan a strike throughout November, limiting bus and metro service to rush hours and late at night. The president of the maintenance workers' union accuses the union of inflexibility, despite making concessions. Meanwhile, the CEO reports progress in talks with another union.

The transit union is hopeful to resolve the impasse before Nov. 15 and is considering binding arbitration if necessary. The maintenance workers' strike will significantly impact service, with only rush hour and late-night buses and metros running. The union opposes all planned strikes and is working to find a solution.