Montreal's public transit authority has declared it will not request financial assistance from the Quebec government to resolve ongoing labour strikes, even as negotiations remain deadlocked and a complete system shutdown looms this weekend.
Financial Constraints and Internal Cuts
STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard confirmed the transit agency's position during a Thursday afternoon press conference, revealing the organization already faces the challenge of reducing spending by $56 million. She emphasized that any financial relief must originate from internal cuts rather than external bailouts.
"We continue to offer improved conditions and salary increases with job protection despite an unprecedented financial situation," Léonard told reporters. "This isn't unique to STM—it affects health, education, everywhere. Therefore, we're taking responsibility for managing our finances."
Weekend Shutdown and Negotiation Stalemate
The announcement comes as Montreal prepares for another complete transit shutdown scheduled for November 15 and 16. Bus drivers and métro operators plan to walk off the job, mirroring the November 1 strike that paralyzed the city's transit network.
According to the strike plan, bus service will cease operation on Saturday at 4 a.m., resuming Monday at 4 a.m. The métro system will stop running after normal closing hours on November 14, with service restoration scheduled for November 17 at 5:30 a.m. Paratransit services will maintain regular operations throughout the weekend.
STM Director of Public Affairs Katherine Roux-Groleau confirmed that negotiations continue despite the impasse. "We finished 30 hours of negotiations Wednesday, and after a break, we plan to continue Thursday afternoon and evening," she said. "We're not giving up."
Government Intervention Attempt Fails
The Quebec government attempted to intervene in the labour dispute earlier this week through legislative means. Labour Minister Jean Boulet sought to fast-track implementation of Bill 89, which would enable government intervention in labour conflicts without requiring special legislation.
Originally scheduled to take effect November 30, the proposed acceleration would have made Bill 89 immediately enforceable. However, Boulet announced Thursday morning that insufficient support from opposition parties prevented the legislation from passing in time.
"We tried to obtain the necessary tools to ensure an acceptable level of service," Boulet stated in a social media post. He described the opposition to the bill as "regrettable" because "commuters could pay the price."
The STM maintenance workers had suspended their month-long strike late Tuesday night following the tabling of Bill 89. Union president Bruno Jeannotte attributed failed mediation sessions to the proposed legislation, claiming it "gave the employer the power to stall negotiations."
Meanwhile, union spokesperson Hubert Forcier maintains that better government funding for public transit remains a core demand. "The union has made several moves in recent weeks and the STM remains inflexible on the issues of wages and subcontracting," Forcier stated.
Roux-Groleau reiterated the STM's financial constraints, explaining the organization operates within a "fixed financial framework" until 2028, established by provincial and municipal governments. Any negotiated salary agreements must fit within this predetermined budget.
STM executives express hope that a negotiated agreement can still prevent this weekend's scheduled shutdown. "We want to fully let negotiations run its course, as we feel a negotiated agreement is the best agreement for all parties involved," Roux-Groleau affirmed.
