The union representing maintenance workers with Montreal’s transit authority wants to walk off the job almost every day in November — including on municipal election day, providing only essential services during rush hours.
The Syndicat du transport de Montréal represents 2,400 maintenance employees at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). It has announced a third strike, set to begin Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. and end Nov. 28 at 10 p.m.
The labour tribunal heard arguments from both sides Monday. They agreed on the provision of essential services during strike days, except for municipal election day on Nov. 2.
The STM is asking to extend morning and afternoon essential service periods by two hours that day to make it easier for citizens to vote. Otherwise, with polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the time frame to use public transit to get to the polls would be too limited, the STM argued.
The union opposes the request to extend essential service hours on election day, saying citizens have other ways to get to polling stations, such as by Bixi, their own bikes, car-sharing, walking or driving. It also noted that advance voting was available.
Tribunal judge François Beaubien has taken the matter under advisement.
Along with that strike, the STM says on its website that the drivers’ union, the Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes (SCFP 1983), has also filed a strike notice that could affect bus and Metro service on Nov. 1, 15 and 16.
Discussions have taken place between the parties to establish a level of essential services, which has been submitted to the tribunal. Those discussions include keeping paratransit operational and maintaining the highest possible level of service on election day, Nov. 2, the STM says.
Last week, the STM said it doesn’t have the money to meet the demands of the unions — and it actually needs to slash hundreds of jobs.
The STM said it is cutting 300 positions because it must find $100 million in savings in its operating budget over three years. Most of those positions are being cut through attrition, or involve employees who are being reassigned within the organization, it said.
The maintenance workers’ union has said it is optimistic that a deal could be reached to avert its four-week strike.
The union has already gone on strike twice this year. Each time, the strike restricted bus and Metro hours and upended Montrealers’ commutes.
SCFP Local 1983 said in a statement last week it is asking for better working hours and the elimination of unpaid work. It says that in the event of a strike, adapted transport would be maintained.
In a news release, the STM said last week it is attempting to find solutions to the union’s demands that take into account the need for flexibility, efficiency and its financial situation.
