Despite the resolution of the STM maintenance workers' strike, Quebec's Labour Minister Jean Boulet is proceeding with controversial legislation that would limit union pressure tactics across the province.
Strike ends but legislation advances
The maintenance workers for Montreal's transit authority halted their strike action, with full service expected to resume on Wednesday. However, this development hasn't deterred the provincial government from moving forward with Bill X, which aims to restrict the ability of unions to exert pressure during labour disputes.
Minister Boulet tabled the labour legislation at the Quebec National Assembly on Thursday, October 30, 2025, signaling the government's determination to reform labour relations in the province regardless of the recent settlement with transit workers.
What the bill proposes
The proposed legislation would establish new limits on when and how unions can implement pressure tactics during negotiations. While specific details of the bill haven't been fully disclosed, sources indicate it would:
- Restrict the timing of strike actions
- Limit rotating strikes in essential services
- Establish mandatory service levels during labour disputes
- Create new mediation requirements before strike action can begin
The timing of this legislative push, coming immediately after the resolution of the STM dispute, suggests the government views the current situation as an opportunity to implement broader labour reforms.
Political and labour reactions
Union leaders have expressed concern about the proposed legislation, arguing it could tilt the balance of power in favour of employers during future negotiations. Jean Boulet maintains that the bill is necessary to ensure stability in essential services and protect the public from prolonged service disruptions.
The legislation comes at a time when several public sector unions are preparing for contract negotiations, raising stakes for both the government and labour organizations across Quebec.
As Montreal's transit service returns to normal, attention now shifts to the legislative process and how the proposed changes might affect future labour relations in the province.
