Montreal Transit Workers Launch Third Strike, Disrupting November Services

Maintenance employees with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) have announced a strike that will span the entire month of November 2025. This marks their third walkout since June, highlighting ongoing tensions between the union and transit management over contract negotiations.

The strike is set to commence on the evening of October 31 and will continue until November 28. The union, representing approximately 2,400 employees, has stated that they will refuse to work overtime, resulting in occasional interruptions to bus and metro services outside of peak hours. Specific details regarding the extent and timing of these disruptions remain unclear.

Union’s Position and Government Intervention

The union argues that this strike is necessary due to the inflexibility displayed by the STM during ongoing contract negotiations. Frustrations have mounted as mediation efforts have not yielded satisfactory results. In response to the escalating conflict, Labour Minister Jean Boulet appointed a team of conciliator-mediators in October to facilitate discussions. However, transit management expressed disappointment, suggesting the union did not allow sufficient time for the newly appointed team to address the issues before initiating the strike.

According to the STM, the union’s decision to strike after only two weeks of mediation reflects a lack of patience and cooperation in the negotiation process. The agency maintains that they had been making progress and are committed to finding a resolution that meets the needs of both employees and the public.

Impact on Commuters and Future Negotiations

As the strike unfolds, Montreal commuters can expect disruptions during November, particularly during off-peak hours. The STM has advised passengers to plan their travel accordingly. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by public transportation systems in balancing labor relations with the needs of the community.

The outcome of this strike and the subsequent negotiations will be closely monitored, as both sides aim to reach a resolution that avoids further escalation. With public support and operational efficiency at stake, the coming weeks will be critical for the future of Montreal’s public transit services.

This report is based on information from the Canadian Press, published on October 21, 2025.