The union representing 4,500 bus drivers and metro operators at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is putting its money where its mouth is: it has announced two more days of strike action, on Nov. 15 and 16.
The STM reports that it has received a new strike notice to this effect.
This local branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, affiliated with the FTQ, had already walked off the job for one day on Nov. 1.
During this strike day, which fell on a Saturday, there was no metro or bus service.
It is unclear what the situation will be on Nov. 15 and 16. The Quebec labour tribunal (TAT) will have to rule on which essential services must be maintained, and whether there should even be any.
The STM has indicated that, unlike on Nov. 1, no agreement has been reached with the drivers’ union.
“No agreement has been reached between the STM and the union on the essential services to be maintained during these two days,” the STM said in a statement. “That is why there will be a hearing before the TAT.”
In this context, the transit company is sending a message to all organizations that will be affected by this potential strike, inviting them to present their views to the labour tribunal. However, it points out that the tribunal must base its decisions on criteria related to public health and safety.
STM said it is continuing negotiations with the bus drivers and metro operators union with a mediator and that it held 64 meetings till date. A meeting with the maintenance workers union is planned for Thursday, it said.
This potential bus driver strike is in addition to the strike by 2,400 maintenance workers, which has been ongoing since Oct. 31 and is scheduled to last until Nov. 28. In this case, however, essential services are being provided during rush hour.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
