MONTREAL — A transit strike in Montreal is expected to significantly disrupt metro and bus services throughout November. The strike involves approximately 2,400 maintenance workers and nearly 4,500 bus drivers, metro operators, and other transit employees. From October 31 to November 28, public transit will operate only during morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late at night, due to the maintenance workers' strike. This schedule was established by a provincial labor tribunal tasked with ensuring a minimal level of service for public health and safety.

On Thursday, the tribunal also approved a one-day strike by bus drivers and metro operators, which will halt all metro and regular bus services for 24 hours starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday. This decision came despite concerns from the Montreal Alouettes, who are hosting a Canadian Football League playoff game that day, and the Montreal airport authority, which requested that express bus service to Trudeau Airport be maintained.

Jean-René Lafrance, the lawyer for the transit agency, stated that the agency did not oppose the one-day strike. If no agreement is reached by the end of Saturday, the strike will proceed. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) had argued for extended service on Sunday due to municipal elections, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voter turnout has been low in recent elections, with less than half of eligible voters participating in 2017 and 2021.

However, administrative judge François Beaubien ruled that the union's proposed service level for Sunday was adequate. "When it comes to essential services, the tribunal's role isn't to weigh workers' right to strike with citizens' right to vote," Beaubien wrote. He emphasized that the strike would not hinder citizens from voting, noting that most polling stations are within walking distance for voters.

Montreal's paratransit bus service for individuals with disabilities will continue to operate normally throughout November, including on Saturday when other services will be suspended. This upcoming strike marks the third by the maintenance workers' union since June.

Union president Bruno Jeannotte acknowledged the strike's impact on the public but attributed part of the blame to the transit agency. "We are putting all our energy into reaching an agreement that will be satisfactory," he said. "If the transit agency maintains its hard line, remains inflexible, and continues to sit on its hands, it will be solely responsible for this strike, which could have been avoided."

The regional transit body managing fares in Montreal estimates that approximately $9 million in revenue has been lost this year due to transit strikes. The union representing bus drivers and metro operators has indicated plans for a three-day strike next month, including on November 15 and 16. A mediator is expected to join negotiations between the bus and metro drivers and the transit agency soon.