The union representing thousands of Montreal's public transit workers has announced the ratification of a new collective agreement, bringing months of negotiations to a close and ensuring service continuity for the city.
Vote Secures Labour Peace
In a decisive move, the 4,500 bus drivers and metro operators employed by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) have voted to accept a tentative contract. The Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP) Local 1983 reported that 60 per cent of members voted in favour of the new deal. The result was confirmed in a news release issued late on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Details of the Wage Agreement
The newly ratified contract outlines a series of salary increases for the workers over its term. According to the union, the wage structure is as follows:
- 2.5 per cent increase in 2025
- 4.5 per cent increase in 2026
- 3.25 per cent increases in both 2027 and 2028
- 4 per cent increase in 2029
This multi-year agreement provides long-term stability for both the workforce and the transit authority.
A Last-Minute Deal Prevents Disruption
The ratification follows a tense period of negotiations. The two sides managed to reach an agreement in principle at the last minute in November, successfully averting a threatened weekend shutdown of transit services that loomed over the city. The STM has confirmed that its board of directors has also formally accepted the terms of the deal, finalizing the process.
While this major labour file is now resolved, the transit authority noted that contract talks are continuing with the STM's maintenance workers, whose separate collective agreement remains under negotiation.
