As the transit strike enters its eighth day, some Montreal transit riders are refusing to pay fares and they’ve organized online to do it.
A Facebook group called “Contrôle en cours – STM” has grown to over 8,000 members, sharing photos and updates on where special constables are stationed, allowing riders dodge fines of up to $500.
Metro and bus services are reduced to rush hour and late nights, as talks continue between the STM and the unions representing maintenance workers, bus drivers and metro operators.
In a latest headache to the transit agency, a third union of administrative staff will also be on strike on Nov. 19 after the Quebec labour board cleared the way on Friday.
The unions are pushing for better pay and working conditions, including an end to subcontracting by STM.
The STM says it’s aware of the group, which has been existence since 2017, but has limited power to shut it down.
Officials are reminding passengers that fares are still required during the strike, which is expected to last until at least Nov. 28.
On Friday, STM CEO and general director Marie-Claude Léonard said that she will seek arbitration with the maintenance workers’ union, unless there is a breakthrough by Nov. 15.
The negotiation with the bus drivers and metro operators’ union was progressing with the help of mediators, Léonard said.
