Montreal transit strike ends but no deal with maintenance workers

Montreal Transit Maintenance Workers’ Overtime Strike Ends

The overtime strike by Montreal transit maintenance workers ended on Sunday. However, a negotiated agreement has not yet been reached, according to the STM.

In a statement to CityNews, the STM confirmed its commitment to reaching a deal with the maintenance workers’ union. The STM believes this is the best solution.

The transit agency noted that negotiations have been ongoing for over 20 months. There have been more than 120 meetings, six months of unsuccessful mediation, and a 45-day conciliation process.

Since mediation ended, the STM has held discussions in a select committee to break the deadlock from last December. The agency stated that its negotiation team has been available during the holiday period to resume talks. So far, no new meeting date has been agreed upon.

The STM has made multiple offers to the maintenance workers. These include compromises and salary improvements. The STM also mentioned that agreements have been successfully reached with other employee groups, such as bus and metro drivers, station agents, and administrative staff. A deal in principle was reached with the professionals’ union on December 31.

“These agreements take into account both the needs of employees and the unprecedented financial reality facing the organization,” the STM said. “In this context, significant self-financing opportunities were identified jointly with the union parties, making it possible to improve the financial framework and offer concrete salary increases.”

The CSQ union confirmed to CityNews that the overtime strike has ended. However, the parties have not yet reached a final agreement.

Summary of Negotiation Details