Hundreds of STM Union Members Rally Outside Montreal’s Public Transit Headquarters
In a show of solidarity, hundreds of unionized employees of Montreal’s public transit company, STM, gathered outside Place Bonaventure’s administrative offices on Wednesday. These employees, represented by various unions linked with FTQ and CSN, consist of bus drivers, metro operators, professionals, maintenance workers, office staff, and constables, totaling 4,600 individuals.
Their primary demand is for STM to reconsider its stance to facilitate reaching mutually agreeable terms. The key bone of contention lies in the salary proposal of 11.5% over five years put forth by STM, alongside concerns over increased subcontracting. The unions emphasize the importance of retaining in-house expertise across various departments, including IT, engineering, and driving roles.
Marc Glogowski, the president of SEPB-610, stressed the necessity for constructive negotiations in a bid to ensure the well-being of STM, its employees, and commuters, highlighting the innovative proposals that await acknowledgment.
Amidst financial hurdles, STM is exploring privatization options like paratransit, leading to concerns among union representatives. Frédéric Therrien, president of the Union of Bus Drivers and Metro Operators, expressed frustration over what he perceives as a regressive approach by STM, indicating the union’s readiness to strike if necessary.
Negotiations are ongoing, with both parties engaging in discussions to find common ground on working conditions that balance employee motivation with STM’s financial limitations. The unions have been operating without a collective agreement since the beginning of the year.
