CUPE 1983, representing the 4,500 bus drivers, metro operators, station agents and paratransit drivers at the Société de transport de Montréal, STM, is favourable to the administrative labour court’s ruling that no bus or metro service will be provided during the November 1 strike.
STM and the union reached an agreement concerning essential services in the event of a strike. It did not provide for any services in the event of a weekend strike, apart from paratransit and emergency services, if required. The labour court tribunal ratified the agreement this afternoon.
“We are pleased with the ruling,” said Frédéric Therrien, CUPE 1983 President. “It reiterates a fundamental right: the constitutional right to strike during a round of bargaining. We’ve said it over and over again: strike action is a last resort, but that’s where we’re at now.”
In addition to wage increases that reflect the current economic context, the union is demanding more reasonable working hours and an end to unpaid work time, which is still tolerated at the public transport corporation, which reports to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, ARTM.
However, the union intends to continue to bargain and hopes to reach an agreement.