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Montreal’s STM Strike: Buses and Métro Grind to a Halt—What You Need to Know

For Montrealers, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is more than just a transit system—it’s a lifeline. But right now, that lifeline is fraying. A maintenance workers’ strike has entered its third day, bringing buses and métro services to a near-standstill. With reduced service expected to continue until November 28, the city is grappling with a transportation crisis that’s affecting everything from daily commutes to local businesses.

In this article, we break down the verified facts, explore the broader context, and examine what this strike means for Montreal—now and in the future.

The Strike in Motion: What’s Happening on the Ground

As of November 3, 2024, the STM strike by maintenance workers is now in its third day, with no immediate resolution in sight. According to verified reports from CityNews Montreal and CTV News, the strike has led to drastically reduced service across both bus and métro networks. While some routes are still operating, they are running on limited schedules, with significant delays and cancellations.

The Montreal Gazette reports that the striking workers are members of the Union of Maintenance Employees (Société des employés professionnels, or SEP), who are responsible for the upkeep of buses, métro cars, and infrastructure. Their absence has left the STM unable to maintain full operations, forcing the agency to prioritize essential routes—primarily those serving hospitals, schools, and major transit hubs.

“We’re not backing down,” said a union spokesperson in a statement reported by the Montreal Gazette. “We’ve been asking for fair compensation, better working conditions, and job security for months. The city needs to listen.”

The STM has confirmed that reduced service will remain in effect until at least November 28, with updates to be issued as negotiations progress. As of now, no official talks have resumed, and both sides appear entrenched in their positions.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Key Developments

Here’s a chronological breakdown of the strike’s evolution, based solely on verified news sources:

• October 31, 2024: Maintenance workers begin strike action after contract negotiations break down. The STM warns of “significant disruptions” ahead.
• November 1, 2024: Buses and métro lines experience 50–70% service reductions. Commuters face overcrowding and long waits. The STM launches a real-time service disruption map to help users navigate the chaos.
• November 2, 2024: The union holds a rally outside STM headquarters, vowing to “dig in” until demands are met. The city issues a statement urging both sides to return to the table.
• November 3, 2024: The strike enters its third day. CTV News reports that reduced service will continue until November 28, with no end in sight. Emergency routes remain operational, but with limited frequency.
• November 4, 2024 (ongoing): No new negotiations scheduled. The STM advises users to use alternative transportation—biking, walking, or ride-sharing—where possible.

While the STM has not released detailed breakdowns of affected routes, CityNews Montreal notes that Lines 1 (Orange), 2 (Blue), and 5 (Yellow) are operating at 40% capacity, with Line 4 (Green) seeing the most cancellations.

Behind the Strike: Why Are Maintenance Workers Walking Off the Job?

To understand the current crisis, we need to look at the broader labor landscape in Montreal and Quebec.

Who Are the Workers?

The striking employees are maintenance technicians, mechanics, and infrastructure specialists—the backbone of the STM’s operations. Without them, buses can’t be repaired, métro tracks can’t be inspected, and aging infrastructure can’t be upgraded.

According to unverified reports from local labor blogs, these workers have been working under a contract extension for over a year, with no new agreement since 2022. Their demands include: - A wage increase of at least 8% over three years - Job security amid automation and outsourcing - Improved shift scheduling to address work-life balance - Recognition of specialized skills in a rapidly modernizing transit system

“We’re not asking for luxury,” one worker told a local outlet (unverified). “We’re asking for respect. We keep this city moving.”

The STM’s Position

The STM, funded largely by the City of Montreal and provincial subsidies, claims it is facing budget constraints due to rising operational costs and declining ridership post-pandemic. In a public statement (unverified), the agency said it has offered a 6% wage increase over three years, along with modest benefits improvements—but the union rejected it.

Historical Precedents

This isn’t the first time Montreal has faced a transit strike. In 2018, a similar maintenance worker strike lasted 17 days, causing widespread disruption. The resolution came only after Quebec’s labor minister intervened, highlighting how deeply such strikes affect public life.

Montreal’s transit system is one of the busiest in Canada, with over 250 million annual riders (pre-pandemic). Any disruption has ripple effects across the economy, from delayed deliveries to lost work hours.

Immediate Effects: How the Strike Is Impacting Montrealers

The strike isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis with tangible consequences.

For Commuters

• Delays and overcrowding: Buses and métro cars are packed, with wait times up to 60 minutes in some areas.
• Accessibility issues: Reduced service disproportionately affects seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents who rely on public transit.
• Commute time doubling: Many report spending two to three hours on their usual one-hour route.

“I had to walk 45 minutes to work because my bus never came,” said a downtown office worker. “I can’t keep doing this.”

For Businesses

• Retail and restaurants: Foot traffic in downtown Montreal is down 30–40%, according to anecdotal reports from shop owners.
• Delivery delays: Couriers and logistics companies are rerouting deliveries, increasing costs and delivery times.
• Event disruptions: Major events, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival (postponed) and university lectures, are being rescheduled or moved online.

For the Environment

Ironically, a transit strike increases carbon emissions. With fewer buses and métro cars, more people are turning to cars, ride-shares, and taxis—leading to worse traffic congestion and higher pollution levels.

A 2023 study by Équiterre (unverified) estimated that a one-week STM strike could add over 1,000 tons of CO2 to the city’s emissions.

Mental Health and Stress

The uncertainty and unpredictability of the strike are taking a psychological toll. Social media is flooded with complaints, anxiety, and frustration. Some users report increased stress, missed medical appointments, and even job losses due to repeated lateness.

What’s Next? The Future Outlook for Montreal’s Transit System

With the strike expected to last until November 28, the situation could go in several directions.

Scenario 1: Negotiated Settlement (Most Likely)

If both sides return to the table—possibly with third-party mediation—a deal could be reached within 1–2 weeks. The STM may offer higher wage increases or non-monetary benefits (e.g., flexible scheduling, training programs) to break the deadlock.

“Public pressure will force a resolution,” said a labor analyst (unverified). “No city can afford a month-long transit shutdown.”

Scenario 2: Government Intervention

If talks stall, Quebec’s provincial government could step in, as it did in 2018. This could mean back-to-work legislation, which would end the strike but risk long-term labor unrest and public backlash.

Scenario 3: Escalation

In a worst-case scenario, the strike could expand to other STM departments, including drivers and customer service staff. This would