Potential strike at Gatineau’s STO could halt service, employer says

An STO bus is seen in Gatineau, Que. in this undated image. (CTV News Ottawa)

Officials from the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) in Gatineau say a possible strike next week could halt bus service as the workers set to walk off are critical to operations.

According to the STO, wages and job security have been some of the main barriers in negotiating a new contract with transit supervisors represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1557.

“They (the union) want to have competitive salaries and benefits in the industry. That’s exactly what we put on the table that brings our employees at the same level as we’ll see OC Transpo in 2026,” says STO director general Patrick Leclerc. “The thing is, certain security to make sure that they will keep their jobs. So, to have an employment floor which is already in a contract that they have. And that’s exactly what we agreed to have on the table as well.”

Leclerc says if a deal cannot be reached, buses will have to stop running for Monday’s commute, noting that the supervisor’s role is critical to transit operations, ensuring service remains active and on time, and for the security of drivers.

“Now, we just need to agree on the terms. It’s not always exactly what you asked for, but it’s collective bargaining, so that’s why we need to bargain around it,” he said. “The clock is running, five days, and I’m confident that we can achieve that. Our goal is to have service for our customers.”

The union says the workers have been without a contract with 2023.

Around 50 workers will be on strike Monday in the event a deal isn’t reached.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Tyler Fleming and Josh Pringle

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