Montreal's most vulnerable residents will face severe challenges during this weekend's complete transit shutdown, according to community advocates who expressed deep concern about the impending service suspension.
Labour Tribunal Approves Full Shutdown
The province's labour tribunal delivered a crucial decision late Wednesday, authorizing STM bus and métro operators to proceed with their planned weekend-long service shutdown. Despite arguments from the STM that the union's strike plans would endanger public health and safety, the tribunal determined the potential impact did not meet the high legal threshold required to impose restrictions on the labour action.
Labour Minister Jean Boulet confirmed Thursday that his last-minute plan to intervene in the strike would not move forward, leaving negotiations between union and employer as the only potential solution to avoid the service suspension.
Seniors Left Anxious and Stranded
Rosée Tremblay, Montreal region executive director at seniors' organization FADOQ, expressed profound disappointment with the tribunal's decision to permit the 48-hour transit closure. Tremblay had previously submitted an intervention supporting the STM's position that maintaining some level of transit service was essential for Montreal's elderly population.
"We're extremely disappointed with the tribunal decision greenlighting the 48-hour transit shutdown," Tremblay stated, noting that the upcoming strike "is making them very anxious" among the seniors she represents.
The situation poses particular dangers for seniors who depend on public transportation to access medical services and caregivers. Tremblay emphasized that a weekend without public transit would "endanger safety" and leave many seniors stranded, especially those who cannot afford taxi or Uber alternatives.
Recalling the November 1 strike when bus and métro operators walked off the job for the first time in 38 years, Tremblay reported that "we had a lot of calls" from distressed seniors. One woman couldn't visit her spouse at the CHSLD where she helps him eat daily. Compounding the problem, some seniors lack internet access and received no advance warning about service disruptions.
Homeless Population Faces Additional Hardship
Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, highlighted the severe impact on Montreal's homeless population. Unhoused people "are quite used to making use of public transport," Watts explained, noting that many purchase transit passes and rely on the STM to access essential services.
"They don't have a permanent address, but they're moving around, they're doing things," Watts said, adding that some individuals "are in the process of going with our people to search for apartments."
As winter conditions intensify, Watts pointed out that many homeless residents depend on the transit system for warmth. "I know the STM doesn't particularly appreciate people huddling in métro stations, and we don't think that it's the best way to have people spending their time. But the reality is that people go to métro stations because it's a place where you can be warm."
Increased exposure to cold temperatures this weekend could prove dangerous, Watts warned, stating "We don't like to see anybody getting into difficult situations medically or, at worst, dying on the street."
Both advocates questioned the labour tribunal's reasoning in permitting the strike. "Where's the line that they're drawing?" Watts asked. "Because I don't think that it's an acceptable risk that we ought to entertain."
With icy conditions increasing fall risks for seniors and cold exposure threatening homeless residents, both Tremblay and Watts urged negotiators to reach a settlement. "Come on, guys, get around the table and come up with a deal that's going to work," Watts implored.
