The STL has taken its Laval clientele hostage by refusing to negotiate with the Syndicat des chauffeurs d’autobus de la Société de transport de Laval (CUPE 5959) to the point that the latter, which is striving to partner with the employer on its productivity objectives, is now compelled to consider strike action.
“The lack of seriousness displayed by the employer at the bargaining table is irresponsible. Unfortunately, this is entirely in keeping with the image of STL’s management which, through its mismanagement, is jeopardizing the transit service available to the citizens of Laval. We don’t want to go on strike, but we will do so to ensure the city’s sustainable development,” explained Patrick Lafleur, president of CUPE 5959.
For these very reasons, the union has launched an awareness campaign on the importance of collective mobility in Laval themed on the slogan Mobilisés pour la mobilité! (Mobilized for mobility!).
The union, which has in hand a strike mandate that received 99% support by the membership in January 2021, is confronted by the closure of STL over its demands, notwithstanding several concessions it has already made.
“To date, we have made substantial productivity advances enabling the STL to reinvest in the service to the public. The union representatives and the bus drivers wish to remind Guy Picard, the general manager of STL, of his promise to reinject the savings into improvements to working conditions,” added Lafleur.
Municipal election campaign
The union has also gotten involved in the municipal election campaign. Union representatives met with several candidates vying for the positions of mayor and municipal counsellors to make them aware of the fact that the STL is impeding the bargaining process.
“In 2021, public transit should be a file of utmost importance in all cities the size of Laval. Green economic recovery will not happen without public transit,” said Patrick Lafleur.