Montreal commuters who rely on the city’s public transit network will have to plan accordingly in the coming weeks as the maintenance workers’ union looks to strike again.
Overall, six out of the 14 strike days will see public transit services reduced to meet essential needs, with peak-hour service from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5. That’s if the strike goes forward. So far, there’s no sign of it being called off.
Katherine Roux-Groleau, an STM spokesperson, said last week that the agency is committed to finding an agreement to avoid the strike.
However, she added, the agreement needs to take into account the fact that the STM is a round-the-clock business and it must operate within a tight financial framework.
“We need to focus on our core business which is delivering a safe and reliable bus and Metro service,” she said. “And finally, we need the right person at the right place at the right time.”
She encourages riders to use the STM’s website to plan their trip, rely on active transit and change their work hours when possible.
“We fully understand the significant impact a strike has on our customers,” said Roux-Groleau. “And we absolutely want to do everything we can to mitigate said impact.”
Four unions are currently in negotiations with the STM for the renewal of their employment contracts. The largest, that of bus drivers and Metro operators, with its 4,600 members, has a mandate to take pressure tactics that can go as far as an unlimited general strike.
As for the maintenance workers’ strike planned for next week, Quebec’s labour tribunal has ruled that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, service will be limited to morning and evening rush hours, as well as late-night service.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, regular schedules will continue.
During the strike, the city’s Metro service will run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and 11 p.m. to closing, the STM says on its website. Stations will close gradually as the last train departs at the end of each service block.
Use public transit? STM workers are prepared to strike again. Here’s what you need to know
Bus service will operate from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m and 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. All buses that begin a trip during these windows will complete their route to the terminus. Service for those who rely on adapted transport will continue at all times.
Maintenance workers, who previously went on strike in June, issued a new strike notice on Sept. 5. The workers’ union, the Syndicat du transport de Montréal–CSN, said members will stop working overtime during the walkout.
According to the STM, service cannot be provided without maintenance crews and that is why it must be shut down outside peak hours.
These employees are responsible for inspecting, cleaning and maintaining buses and trains, handling certain tasks in emergency situations, providing real-time repairs and maintaining equipment such as elevators, it says.
“Without them, some vehicles cannot run, and the accessibility of rolling stock is therefore reduced,” the STM says on its website.
The Montreal-area transit authority, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), will not offer refunds for monthly or weekly passes. And the STM says it will not be covering the costs of transportation riders use outside of peak hours, such as taxis.
The STM recommends buying a monthly pass despite the strike because essential services, including paratransit and limited bus and Metro service during peak hours, will continue.
The agency says monthly fares remain cost-effective for regular riders.
For single, two-ride, 10-ride or group fares, the 120-minute transfer window is still in effect despite the strike. Riders must validate their last eligible transfer within 120 minutes of the first fare validation to complete their trip, the STM says.
More information about the strike can be found on the STM’s website.
