Barely twenty-four hours after the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail system celebrated its inaugural run, the new network faced its first significant labour disruption. Employees staged a protest on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Deux-Montagnes station, casting a shadow over the much-anticipated launch.
A Celebration Quickly Overshadowed
The protest action unfolded at a station that had just been part of a historic moment for the Montreal region. On Friday, November 14, 2025, the REM officially launched its service, with a boy photographed riding the system back towards downtown Montreal from the Deux-Montagnes station during its inaugural run. The image, captured by Christinne Muschi for The Canadian Press, symbolized the beginning of a new era for public transit. However, the celebratory atmosphere was short-lived.
Workplace Grievances Take Centre Stage
The specific details and demands of the protesting REM employees were not immediately detailed in the initial report. The demonstration signifies that internal labour issues have surfaced almost concurrently with the public launch of the service. This immediate push for action from staff highlights potential concerns over working conditions, contracts, or other employment-related matters that have arisen within the nascent transit operation.
Implications for Montreal's Newest Transit System
This early protest places the REM under a public spotlight, not just for its technological achievements but also for its labour relations. For commuters and residents of the Greater Montreal area, the event raises questions about the potential for future service disruptions and the stability of the new network. The situation is developing, and all eyes will be on the REM management and employee representatives to see how this initial conflict is resolved as the system works to establish its reliability.
