The recent overtime strike carried out by Montreal transit maintenance workers came to a conclusion on Sunday; however, an official agreement is still pending, according to a statement from the STM.
The STM expressed its continued dedication to coming to a resolution with the maintenance workers’ union, emphasizing the importance of finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Negotiations between the transit agency and the union have been ongoing for more than 20 months, involving a substantial number of meetings, six months of unsuccessful mediation, and a 45-day conciliation process.
Following the conclusion of the mediation phase, discussions moved to a select committee in December last year in an effort to break the impasse. Despite the agency’s negotiation team being available over the holiday period to resume talks, a new meeting date has yet to be scheduled.
The STM has put forth various offers to the maintenance workers, which have included compromises and salary enhancements. It highlighted successful agreements with other employee groups, such as bus and metro drivers, station agents, and administrative staff. Notably, a preliminary agreement was reached with the professionals’ union on December 31.
In its statement, the STM underlined that these agreements consider both employee needs and the challenging financial circumstances facing the organization. The agency mentioned identifying substantial self-financing opportunities in collaboration with the union parties to enhance the financial framework and provide tangible salary increases.
The CSQ union verified the end of the overtime strike to CityNews but indicated that a final agreement is still pending.
