Montreal Transit Workers Launch November Strike Amid Contract Dispute

Montreal’s public transit maintenance employees have announced a strike set to take place for the entire month of November, marking their third walkout since June. The union representing approximately 2,400 workers confirmed that the strike will commence on the evening of October 31, 2025, and will last until November 28, 2025. During this period, employees will refrain from working overtime, leading to intermittent disruptions in bus and metro services outside of peak hours.

The decision to strike arises from ongoing frustrations regarding contract negotiations with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). Union leaders claim that the agency’s lack of flexibility has made it necessary to take this action. The union’s leadership emphasized the importance of addressing the workers’ concerns, which have remained unresolved despite previous discussions.

In response to the escalating tensions, Quebec’s Labour Minister Jean Boulet appointed a team of conciliator-mediators in October in an effort to facilitate dialogue between the two parties. This intervention came after earlier mediation attempts did not yield satisfactory results. However, STM management expressed disappointment over the timing of the strike, arguing that the union did not allow sufficient time for the newly appointed mediation team to make progress in the negotiations.

The impact of this strike is likely to be felt across the city, with public transit users facing potential delays and service interruptions. While specific details about the extent of the disruptions remain unclear, the union’s announcement indicates that the strike will significantly affect transit operations throughout November.

As this situation unfolds, both parties will need to engage in constructive dialogue to reach a resolution that meets the needs of the workers while ensuring reliable transit services for the public.