A majority of CUPE 1983 members in Montreal voted in favour of the tentative agreement presented at two general meetings held on December 14, 2025. CUPE 1983 represents the 4,500 bus drivers, metro operators, station agents and paratransit drivers at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). The vote came after the members’ seven-day analysis of the proposed agreement.
Planned salary increases total 17.5% for the duration of the collective agreement, which breaks down to 2.5% in 2025, 4.5% in 2026, 3.25% in 2027 and 2028, and 4% in 2029, plus a lump sum of 2.5% for 2025. Other negotiated gains include the creation of a cumulative bank of hours as well as the addition of recovery times on short lines, service-hour payment and more flexibility for work-life balance.
The union president thanked the participants in the public debate, who opted for a negotiated agreement rather than playing the government’s game that was supported by Montréal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Québec solidaire deputy Alexandre Leduc.
He also reiterated that, while the union is satisfied with the outcome of this round of bargaining, the fight is not over for an adequately funded public transit network that would lead to a true and just transition. CUPE 1983 will continue its involvement, particularly to fight the privatization of the STM’s paratransit service.
“Underfunding is the crux of the problem,” said the president of CUPE 1983. “Until the key decision-makers make public transit a priority, we’re doomed to see history repeat.”