Eighty-six percent of maintenance staff at the Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) have voted in favor of a new collective agreement, the transit agency announced Monday. The vote, which took place over the weekend, saw strong support from union members, effectively ending the threat of a strike that had loomed over Montreal's public transit system.
Details of the Vote
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 3333, representing approximately 1,200 maintenance workers, reported that 86% of voting members approved the deal. The agreement covers mechanics, electricians, and other maintenance personnel responsible for keeping the city's buses and metro trains operational.
Key Provisions
While specific terms of the agreement have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate it includes wage increases, improved benefits, and measures to address workload concerns. The previous contract had expired in December 2025, and negotiations had been ongoing for several months.
"This agreement provides stability for our workers and ensures that Montrealers can continue to rely on their public transit system," said a spokesperson for the STM.
Background
The maintenance workers had been in a legal strike position since early April, and the threat of a work stoppage had raised concerns about service disruptions. In September 2025, a previous strike by the same workers had limited service to peak hours on certain days, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.
"We are pleased that our members have ratified this contract," said a union representative. "It reflects the hard work and dedication of our members and provides them with the recognition they deserve."
The new agreement is expected to run for five years, providing long-term labor peace for the STM.
