The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) faces upcoming strike action from maintenance workers as negotiations continue amidst financial challenges. STM management emphasizes the need for flexibility from employees and unions in light of the current financial situation.
In a recent press conference, STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard provided an update on the ongoing negotiations. The maintenance workers’ union has announced a strike from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5, involving a refusal to work overtime and occasional service disruptions during off-peak hours.
The same union, affiliated with the Fédération des employé(e)s des services publics and the CSN, previously went on strike from June 9 to 17, maintaining essential services during rush hour.
The Administrative Labour Tribunal will review the maintenance of essential services in response to the new strike notice.
Léonard highlighted the STM’s financial difficulties, stressing the need to reduce costs. She cited instances where maintenance employees were engaged in landscaping or snow removal instead of their primary tasks, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in reaching an agreement.
