Longueuil Public Transit Network and drivers’ union in mediation

Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) bus driver Michael Rafael holds signs as workers participate in an action organized by Le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP), while the union and management engage in bargaining, in Longueuil, Que., on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

The Longueuil Public Transit Network and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) met in mediation on Monday to try to reach an agreement, renew the collective agreement, and avoid a new strike notice.

The public transport network and the CUPE, affiliated with the FTQ, confirmed the information on Monday.

The union, which represents 731 bus drivers, had planned to strike on Sept. 9-11. However, at the end of last week, the Administrative Labour Tribunal suspended the strike, ruling that the essential services proposed by the union were insufficient.

The planned walkout was cancelled.

On Friday, the union announced that it was only a postponement and that it would eventually file a new strike notice, providing essential services, in the hope of receiving the approval of the Administrative Labour Tribunal.

But on Monday, the employer and the union met in mediation to try to find a way forward and renew the collective agreement without resorting to strike action. This collective agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2024.

The Longueuil agglomeration transport network operates a fleet of 398 buses and 151 bus routes. It serves Longueuil, Boucherville, Brossard, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and Saint-Lambert. Last April, it recorded 78,266 trips during a weekday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 8, 2025.