A third group of Montreal public transit workers is preparing to walk off the job this month.
Following strikes by bus drivers, metro operators, and maintenance staff, the Syndicat du personnel administratif, technique et professionnel du transport en commun (SCFP 2850), known in English as CUPE 2850, planned a one-day strike on Nov. 19.
The SCFP represents roughly 8,700 transit workers in Quebec and a total of 143,000 members across the province. It is active in social services, communications, education, universities, energy, municipalities, public agencies, air and maritime transport, and fire services. The SCFP is the largest union affiliated with the FTQ.
“There are 1,300 members who will strike on these two days. Things are also not progressing at our bargaining table. We are fighting to maintain our hard-won gains over the years,” explained Stéphane Lamont, President of CUPE 2850.
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The union obtained a strike mandate in May 2025, a first in its 40-year history. Main concerns include subcontracting, job security, and the wage framework.
“We have done everything we can in the 42 meetings we have held with the employer over the past 17 months. We are now exerting pressure to reach a solution,” Lamont added.
The collective agreement expired on Jan. 4, 2025, and negotiations have yet to yield an agreement.
In a statement, the STM said it has taken note of the strike notice and confirmed that essential services will be maintained.
“The STM and the union have already agreed on the essential services to be respected for this group of employees (e.g., fires, metro emergencies). As a result, this strike will have no impact on the delivery of the service. A total of 42 meetings were held with this union of 1,283 employees. Negotiations are continuing in mediation,” the transit authority said.
