Complete STM Shutdown Approved for Weekend Strike
Montreal is facing a complete shutdown of its public transit system this weekend after bus and metro drivers received official clearance to proceed with a 48-hour strike. The Tribunal administratif du travail announced Wednesday night that the essential-services plan submitted by the drivers' union was sufficient to ensure public safety, allowing the walkout to move forward.
The strike will begin at 4:00 a.m. on November 15 and continue until 3:59 a.m. on November 17, effectively paralyzing all STM bus and metro services throughout the weekend. The only exception will be paratransit services, which will continue operating for those with special mobility needs.
Labour Tribunal's Rationale for Approval
In its decision, the labour tribunal stated that "the evidence does not demonstrate that the interruption of STM services for a weekend, with the exception of paratransit, represents a clear, imminent, and real threat to the life, safety, health, or security of the population." This ruling came despite the significant impact the shutdown will have on Montreal residents and visitors.
The upcoming strike represents an escalation in labour tensions after drivers previously shut down the network on November 1 in their first strike action in 38 years. That initial walkout brought services to a complete standstill and set the stage for this weekend's broader action.
Drivers' Concerns and Working Conditions
The 4,500-member union is striking primarily over what it describes as increasingly difficult working conditions. Key issues include:
- Split shifts that leave operators unpaid for hours between assignments
- Demands for fairer scheduling practices
- Overall working conditions that have deteriorated according to union representatives
The strike announcement came on the same day that full bus and metro service had just resumed following a separate month-long strike by STM maintenance workers. Their dispute, centered on subcontracting, overtime, and pay issues, had reduced the network to peak-hour and late-night service for weeks, creating significant disruptions throughout October and early November.
This latest development continues the pattern of labour unrest affecting Montreal's public transit system, leaving commuters to seek alternative transportation options during what promises to be a challenging weekend for mobility in the city.
