Montreal transit strike: Quebec labour minister intends to appoint a mediator

Quebec’s labour minister says he intends to appoint a mediator to speed up the negotiations to resolve the STM maintenance workers’ strike, which entered its second day on Tuesday.

The strike caused frustration and confusion for some commuters on Monday as bus and Metro service is only operating during peak hours through Wednesday.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Minister Jean Boulet said in a post on X that he has asked the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and the union representing maintenance workers to submit a request to appoint a mediator.

“After several dozen negotiation meetings, I encourage the parties to use the tools provided by the law to accelerate the negotiation process and ensure priority service to the population,” Boulet said.

“As soon as I receive the request, I will appoint a mediator from the Ministère du Travail within the next few hours.”

Negotiations between the two parties were set to resume Wednesday.

Some commuters were left stranded when they tried to take the Metro at the end of the morning rush hour Monday. From June 9 to 11, the Metro is only operating from 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., however 9:38 a.m. refers to the end of service time and not the last departure.

“Metro stations close as the last train makes its final run, often before the end of essential service,” the STM explained in a statement released on Monday evening.

To help users navigate these disruptions to their daily routine, the STM has added the departure time of the last train at each station on the strike information page of its website.

“We strongly recommend that you arrive at the station 10 minutes before the last train to ensure your journey,” the STM added.

Some commuters were also confused to see empty Metro trains pass by Monday after the rush hour period was over, as STM employees forced people waiting on the platform to leave the station.

The STM has said that this procedure is necessary so that trains can be parked gradually at the end of service.

“It should be noted that empty trains honk their horns and slow down without stopping when passing through stations. This manoeuvre ensures the safety of passengers and employees on the platforms,” the STM emphasized.

Losing faith in public transit?

The strike will continue through June 17, forcing commuters to find other modes of transport like taking the taxi, an Uber, a Bixi, or car sharing.

But Trajectoire Quebec worries people could lose faith in public transit.

“Some people that hesitate to go to public transit or are not very sure, they might say, ‘Well, let’s have a car and let’s just take my car, it’s going to be easier,’” said spokesperson Philippe Jacques.

The public transit advocacy group was hoping more service would be offered during the day.

“If you’re a real Montrealer, you need to go to work. You have some exams at high school. You need to go to medical appointments. You don’t have full access to public transit. And for many hours, there’s nothing at all, for a few days. But for Formula 1, that’s full service,” he added.

“I do hope the Quebec government will invest more in public transit. I think it’s really important,” one user told CTV News on Tuesday.

Reductions to bus service

Here is a breakdown of the impact of the strike on Metro and bus service over the coming days.

From June 9 to 11, bus service will be maintained only from 6 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and then from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Regular service will then resume from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.

Outside of the hours, there will be no bus service.

On June 12, there will be regular service from 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and then from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Regular service will resume from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.

Outside of those hours, bus service will be reduced by 50 per cent, according to the STM.

On June 13, 14, and 15, which coincides with Grand Prix weekend in Montreal, there will be regular bus service.

On June 16 and 17, there will only be regular bus service from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and then from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Regular bus service will resume from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.

Outside of those hours, bus service will be reduced by 50 per cent.

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

Reductions to Metro service

Metro hours will also be significantly reduced for public transit users during the strike.

On June 9, 10, and 11, the Metro will only be in service from 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m. Metro service will then resume from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Outside of those hours, there will be no Metro service available.

On June 12, the Metro will only be available from 6:30 a.m. to 10:38 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 6:48 p.m. Service will resume between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Outside of those hours, service will be reduced by 50 per cent.

As with the bus, the Metro will not be disrupted from June 13, 14, and 15.

On June 16 and 17, Metro service will be maintained between 6:30 a.m. and 9:38 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m. Service will come back between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Outside of those hours, service will be reduced by 50 per cent.

With files from CTV News’ Matt Grillo and The Canadian Press