Montreal's public transit system faces a complete shutdown this weekend as bus and métro drivers prepare for a 48-hour strike after receiving legal clearance to walk off the job.
Strike Details and Timing
The STM bus and métro drivers' strike will run from 4 a.m. on November 15 to 3:59 a.m. on November 17, effectively halting all regular public transit service across Montreal. The only exception will be paratransit services for passengers with disabilities.
This labour action comes after Quebec's administrative labour tribunal ruled Wednesday night that the union's essential services plan adequately protected public safety. The tribunal found the planned strike did not present "a clear, imminent and real threat to the life, safety, health or security of the population."
Government Stance and Failed Legislation
Quebec Premier François Legault confirmed Thursday that the government will not intervene to force drivers back to work. "We will not be using closure," Legault stated, referencing his government's recent use of closure to pass health sector legislation.
Labour Minister Jean Boulet attempted to fast-track Bill 8, which would have moved up implementation of Bill 89—legislation allowing government intervention in labour conflicts. However, the effort failed when Québec solidaire refused to support the accelerated timeline, leaving the bill without the necessary opposition party consensus.
Boulet expressed regret about the situation, noting that "it's the commuters who could pay the price" for the lack of political agreement.
Union Demands and Previous Strike Impact
The 4,500-member union is striking over challenging working conditions including unpaid breaks and split shifts that leave operators without pay for hours between assignments. This marks the drivers' second strike action in recent weeks, following a November 1 walkout that coincided with major sports events across Montreal.
The weekend strike comes just as full service resumed Wednesday following a month-long strike by STM maintenance workers. That dispute had reduced Montreal's transit network to peak-hour and late-night service for weeks, creating significant disruptions across the city.
The STM acknowledged the tribunal's decision while noting that mediation with the union continues in hopes of averting the shutdown. The transit authority stated it remains committed to reaching an agreement that improves both working conditions and operational efficiency.
