Transit Shutdown Puts Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Quebec's labour tribunal convened an urgent hearing Monday to determine conditions for a potential two-day strike by STM bus and metro operators planned for the upcoming weekend. The hearing comes amid growing concerns about the impact of another complete transit shutdown on Montreal's most vulnerable residents.
Jean-Sébastien Patrice, executive director of the MultiCaf food bank in Côte-des-Neiges, delivered compelling testimony about how the proposed weekend strike would severely restrict access to essential food services. "When we remove access to a food bank, we've put people in danger," Patrice told the tribunal during Monday's proceedings.
Striking Numbers Highlight Critical Need
Patrice revealed stark statistics demonstrating the dramatic impact of the previous November 1 strike on food bank usage. During that single-day shutdown, MultiCaf served only about 50 people compared to the typical Saturday attendance of approximately 500 individuals. The dramatic 90% drop in clients illustrates how dependent vulnerable populations are on public transportation to access essential services.
Should the labour tribunal permit another full weekend shutdown, Patrice indicated that MultiCaf would likely not open at all, leaving hundreds of food-insecure Montrealers without access to necessary provisions.
Balancing Rights and Public Safety
Administrative judge Karine Blouin acknowledged the complex nature of the decision, stating that the tribunal understands "the exasperation of the public, who feel taken hostage" by the ongoing labour dispute. The hearing aims to establish strike conditions that protect public health and safety while preserving the constitutional right to strike.
The STM and its operators' union remain divided on the scope of the potential weekend action. While the union seeks another complete transit shutdown for Saturday and Sunday, the STM is advocating for maintaining some level of service to minimize disruption to essential services and public mobility.
Several major organizations have joined the proceedings to support the STM's position, including seniors' group Fadoq, the regional transit authority (ARTM), and Aéroports de Montréal, which oversees operations at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
Ongoing Labour Disputes Compound Transit Woes
The potential weekend strike occurs against the backdrop of multiple labour disputes affecting Montreal's transit system. The November 1 operators' strike marked the first such action in 38 years and brought all STM services to a complete standstill.
Meanwhile, a parallel dispute between the STM and maintenance workers has caused overlapping strikes that suspend transit daily outside of three designated service periods. This separate labour action is scheduled to continue until November 28, creating ongoing uncertainty for Montreal commuters.
Key issues in the negotiations include working conditions, particularly the use of split shifts and unpaid breaks for transit operators. The labour tribunal's decision, expected following the mediation phase of Monday's hearing, will determine whether Montreal faces another complete transit shutdown this weekend or if limited service will be maintained to protect public access to essential services like food banks.
