Maintenance workers at Montreal's public transit corporation are set to begin a month-long overtime strike starting in December, a move that could significantly impact transit operations during the busy holiday season.
Labor Action Details
The planned industrial action, announced on November 27, 2025, involves maintenance personnel refusing overtime work throughout the entire month of December. This strategic timing during one of the year's busiest periods for public transportation aims to maximize pressure on the employer during negotiations.
The decision follows ongoing disputes between the workers' union and STM management over working conditions and compensation. By targeting overtime specifically, the union demonstrates its members' crucial role in keeping Montreal's transit system operational beyond regular hours.
Potential Impact on Commuters
Montreal residents who rely on public transportation should prepare for potential service disruptions during the strike period. Maintenance workers are responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of buses and metro systems, and reduced availability could lead to delayed repairs and increased vehicle downtime.
The month-long duration of the overtime ban means that any maintenance issues that would typically be addressed after hours or on weekends may remain unresolved until regular shifts resume, potentially creating a backlog of repairs that could affect service reliability.
Broader Context and Response
This labor action occurs amid ongoing negotiations between the union and STM management. The maintenance workers' decision to implement an overtime strike rather than a full work stoppage indicates a calculated approach that maintains essential services while demonstrating their collective bargaining power.
Transit users are advised to monitor STM communications closely and consider alternative transportation arrangements during December, particularly for early morning, late evening, and weekend travel when overtime work is most critical for addressing unexpected maintenance needs.
The outcome of this labor dispute could set important precedents for future negotiations between public transit workers and management across Quebec, making it a significant development in the province's labor relations landscape.
