Parti Québécois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says his party is prepared to work with the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to force striking public transit employees back to work by Nov. 15.
Maintenance workers at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) have been on strike for a week, limiting service to rush hours only. Their mandate lasts until Nov. 28, while bus drivers and metro operators plan additional strike days on Nov. 15 and 16.
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St-Pierre Plamondon criticized the CAQ’s anti-strike legislation for escalating the conflict and stalling negotiations but said his party would still collaborate with the government on a temporary back-to-work order.
The Quebec Administrative Labour Tribunal is expected to meet today to discuss the ongoing STM strike and evaluate whether essential public services are being maintained. The outcome could influence how the government proceeds with potential back-to-work legislation in the coming days.
After the hearing, the administrative judge will take everything under advisement. The decision will not be made today, it will be submitted by Thursday at the latest.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has urged both sides to reach an agreement by Nov. 15, while Labour Minister Jean Boulet is considering moving up the implementation of his controversial law allowing him to impose a settlement by decree.
The measure is currently scheduled to take effect on Nov. 30.
Unions remained at the bargaining table on Sunday but an agreement could not be reached.
Metro
Metro will operate on a restricted schedule throughout the strike period:
Buses
Buses will operate regular services from:
Bus service to schools are also subject to restricted times. STM says trips to some schools will be canceled. Consult the STM’s school service page to see which schools are affected.
Paratransit Service
Paratransit service is not affected by the strike and will operate at all times.
Transit riders are advised to check the real-time schedule of services available on the STM website for the most up-to-date information.
