Employees at STM Overwhelmingly Approve New Collective Agreement
In a resounding decision, the administrative, technical, and professional staff at STM have enthusiastically endorsed a new five-year collective agreement. This development comes amidst ongoing negotiations within the organization, with other employee groups gearing up for crucial decisions in the days ahead.
During a general assembly on Wednesday evening, members of CUPE Local 2850 showed strong support for the agreement, with an impressive 75% voting in favor. The agreement, which was initially reached on Nov. 16, applies to a total of 1,284 workers across various departments, ranging from IT and accounting to human resources.
Union president Stéphane Lamont expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by the public transit sector. Lamont commended the year-and-a-half-long negotiation process, emphasizing the efforts made to safeguard favorable working conditions for employees.
Key improvements included in the contract entail wage hikes, enhanced oversight on subcontracting activities, and the initiation of a pilot program for a four-day, 32-hour work week. Additionally, the agreement ensures that benefits are maintained during paternity leave, the telework agreement remains intact, retirement options are bolstered, and the salary structure is enhanced, with a reduced timeframe to reach the highest pay level.
The ratification of this agreement by CUPE, a union representing a significant number of workers in land transportation, is seen as a crucial victory given the financial challenges confronting public transit systems. The STM’s board of directors has already given their approval, with director general Marie-Claude Léonard praising the collaborative efforts that led to a mutually beneficial outcome.
While this marks a positive step forward for one segment of STM employees, discussions are ongoing with other labor groups within the transit agency. Members of the union representing bus drivers, métro operators, and station agents are slated to vote on their own proposed agreement on Dec. 14.
