Montreal's public transit system faces additional labor challenges as two more unions representing administrative staff and professional employees have announced plans for potential strike action. The developments mark the latest chapter in ongoing labor negotiations affecting the Société de transport de Montréal.
Which Unions Are Planning to Strike?
The first group, CUPE 2850, represents approximately 1,300 administrative, technical and professional employees. This diverse group includes office staff, technicians, analysts, designers, and payroll workers who play crucial roles in the STM's daily operations.
Last week, the union called for two strike days on November 19 and 21. Quebec's labor tribunal has approved a one-day walkout on November 19, with the condition that 33 essential workers remain available to address any public safety emergencies.
The second union, SEPB 610, represents about 800 professional employees including engineers, architects, lawyers, procurement specialists, and staff managing real estate and training programs within the transit authority.
On Thursday, SEPB 610 members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, with 91 percent supporting a mandate that allows for up to 10 days of walkouts at the union's discretion. No specific strike dates have been announced by this group yet.
What's Driving the Labor Dispute?
Both unions report that negotiations have reached an impasse after months of discussions with STM management. The core issues center around job security and working conditions.
For CUPE 2850, the primary concerns include the STM's alleged efforts to expand subcontracting, weaken job protections, and change pay structures. These negotiations have been ongoing for 17 months without reaching a new contract agreement, as their previous contract expired in January.
SEPB 610 expresses similar worries, claiming the transit agency is pushing to slash internal expertise by making it easier to dismiss professional staff. The union argues this approach would undermine long-term planning capabilities within the organization.
Despite the strike preparations, both unions emphasize they remain hopeful for a negotiated settlement and continue to participate in mediation sessions.
Impact on Montreal Commuters
In what may come as relief to daily transit users, the STM has confirmed that buses and métro service will operate normally even if these administrative and professional staff walk off the job.
The potential strikes would primarily affect internal operations rather than direct transit services. Possible disruptions could include delays in tendering processes, paused construction projects, and backups in procurement, planning, and IT work.
Quebec's labor tribunal has ensured that essential services will be maintained during any strike action to guarantee public safety remains uncompromised.
Broader Labor Context at STM
These latest developments occur against a backdrop of broader labor unrest within Montreal's transit system. Four separate STM unions are now involved in various stages of labor disputes and negotiations.
A separate 48-hour strike by bus and métro operators is scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. on Saturday, which will significantly disrupt transit services across the city. This shutdown coincides with forecasted freezing rain and snow, potentially creating challenging conditions for commuters.
Meanwhile, maintenance workers who had been conducting limited-service strikes in recent weeks have temporarily suspended their walkout in hopes of resuming productive negotiations.
Montreal's new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, has been urged to intervene in the labor disputes. The mayor has previously called for all parties to reach agreements swiftly to minimize transit disruptions for Montreal residents.
So far, none of the four unions involved in labor negotiations with the STM have reached new contract agreements, leaving the situation fluid and potentially subject to further developments in the coming days.
