Montreal transit agency urges commuters to prepare as STM maintenance strike nears

An STM bus shelter in Montreal, November 14, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)

As the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers’ strike approaches, the agency is urging commuters to plan ahead, consider active transportation options, or work from home.

The STM has said the strike, which runs from June 9 to 17, will affect traffic across Montreal.

The transit agency previously announced that there would be no impact to service disruptions during the Montreal Grand Prix.

Commuters are also advised that Paratransit will not be affected by the strike and regular service will be maintained.

“We’re aware of the inconvenience this strike may cause for our customers, and we’re doing everything we can to help ensure their trips go as smoothly as possible,” said STM general manager Marie-Claude Léonard.

“We’re in a time of change, and it’s important that we refocus on our core mission: moving people. Given the STM’s current financial context, we need to ensure our operations remain cost-effective. This must be reflected in the ongoing collective agreement negotiations in order to respect the financial limits of our funding partners.”

• READ MORE: The STM strike will affect your commute. Here is everything you need to know

An essential services schedule will remain in place, as per a ruling by Quebec’s labour tribunal, the Tribunal administratif du travail.

Bus and Metro service will run normally during the Montreal Grand Prix, from June 13 to 15. Paratransit will also not be affected by the strike.

June 9 to 11

According to the STM, school routes and shuttle buses for planned outings will operate as usual, even during off-peak hours. REM replacement shuttles will only run between 11:15 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. Metro stations will be closed outside scheduled service hours.

June 12, 16 and 17

On these dates, the STM will operate at 50 per cent capacity. Metro service will run at half the usual frequency—one train out of two—and roughly half of all bus trips will be cancelled. The exact number of cancellations will vary depending on operational needs.

No refunds or compensation

The STM said no refunds or financial compensation will be offered for activated monthly or weekly passes. However, other fare types may be used at a later date or could be eligible for a refund.

he agency added that negotiations are ongoing. It has proposed the use of a third party to help find solutions and potentially speed up talks with the union.

Labour minister “concerned”

During a press scrum on Wednesday, Quebec’s Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, said that the parties needed to find a resolution as soon as possible, noting that he was concerned about the impact on the public.

“You know that it is a service that is very important and even fundamental for many different people in Montreal. I’m always concerned by the needs of the people, and in Montreal particularly, it has a significant impact,” Boulet said.

“I have to highlight that [the parties] agreed upon essential services that will be maintained during the strike, and for the Grand Prix, it will not have a significant impact.”

With files from Swidda Rassy