Montreal’s public transportation system is gearing up for major disruptions as 24,000 STM maintenance workers are preparing to go on strike starting Monday. Despite no new negotiations on the horizon, the strike is looming following the rejection of the union’s 25% offer, countered by management at 12.5%.
Residents who depend on the metro are advised to plan ahead, as six strike days are scheduled between September 22 and October 5. This impending strike will be the second time STM workers have walked off the job since June.
During the strike period, metro services are expected to be reduced every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while paratransit services will remain operational without interruption. This disruption means that commuters like Vanessa Trunzo, a student at Université de Montréal, will have to adjust their schedules and start their commutes earlier than usual.
Businesses within Montreal’s subway system are also bracing for the impact of reduced foot traffic and customers during the strike. Moeez Amiq, a line cook at Pizza Bella, expressed concern over the potential decrease in customers similar to the last strike.
Union representatives argue that their wage demands, totaling a $300 million increase over five years, are necessary as wages have not kept pace with inflation. The STM management, however, states that accepting the union’s demands would force them to cut bus services by 10%, citing financial constraints.
Montreal residents have differing opinions on the strike, with some supporting the workers’ demands while others find the proposed increase unreasonable. Despite the mixed reactions, the strike is set to impact the daily lives of many Montrealers who rely on public transit.
