Quebec Government Moves to End Montreal Transit Strike
Quebec's Labour Minister is preparing to table emergency legislation that could bring an immediate end to the ongoing STM transit strike in Montreal. The move comes as thousands of commuters face significant disruptions to their daily travel across the city.
The announcement was made on November 11, 2025, with the government indicating it would use legislative power to resolve the labour dispute that has paralyzed Montreal's public transportation system. The bill represents one of the most significant government interventions in a labour dispute in recent Quebec history.
Implications for Montreal Commuters
If passed, the legislation would force STM employees back to work while establishing a framework for resolving the outstanding issues between the transit authority and its unions. The strike has created widespread transportation challenges across Montreal, affecting students, workers, and businesses throughout the metropolitan area.
The government's decision to intervene follows mounting pressure from various sectors, including business groups and municipal officials, who have highlighted the economic impact of the prolonged transit shutdown. Montreal's mayor-elect had previously called for unions to pause their strike action while negotiations continued.
Next Steps in the Labour Dispute
The tabling of the back-to-work legislation marks a critical turning point in the STM labour dispute. While the government has expressed preference for a negotiated settlement between the parties, the continued disruption to essential services appears to have prompted the decision to use legislative authority.
The bill is expected to include mechanisms for binding arbitration or other dispute resolution processes to ensure a fair outcome for both STM management and unionized employees. The legislation will need to pass through Quebec's National Assembly, where it's likely to receive support from multiple political parties given the widespread impact of the transit strike.
Commuters across Montreal await further details about the specific provisions of the bill and the timeline for its implementation, hoping for a swift resolution to the transportation crisis that has gripped Canada's second-largest city.
