Latest news with #MontrealStrike
CBC
15-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Montreal transit strike takes mounting toll on atypical shift workers, seniors
Many commuters across Montreal have voiced growing frustration over a public transit strike that has limited bus and Metro service across the city since last week. But for those who work atypical shifts and rely on transit outside of service hours, the disruption has been especially difficult. Cassiel Pépin Morales braves early mornings to start his 6 a.m. shift at a Montreal bakery. But his work hours fall outside the reduced service times. "It's very hard emotionally and financially," he said. "I can't really keep going like this." He usually leaves home at 5 a.m., but due to the reduced schedule, he's been setting out closer to 4 a.m. He also recalls having to ride home on a Bixi for two hours after a shift. With a part-time job at the bakery, he said Ubering to and from work is not an option for him, and taxis are often full. "I would've had to pay $84 to go to work, which is more than I make in a day," he said. Although he paid for a monthly Opus card, it's currently sitting unused, which adds to the financial burden. He says he's now forced to consider looking for work closer to home if public transit remains "unreliable." The conflict between the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and maintenance workers, who launched a strike last week, has also been impacting seniors like Ronald Finnegan, a retired Montrealer who typically runs errands during off-peak hours to avoid bigger crowds. He's been ordering groceries online and relying on Uber to get around. "Sometimes, I can get someone from the residence to give me a lift, but that's not always convenient. I like to be independent, I like the independence that public transit gives me." Speaking over videoconference after a gathering with other seniors, Finnegan explained that he hasn't let the strike interfere with his daily activities. The only thing that might stop him, he says, is the air quality. He can afford a few Uber trips for now, but warns that won't last. "Hopefully it won't go too long because then, it really starts to cut into your budget," said Finnegan. Long-term consequences on commuters' behaviours Gary Saxe, executive director of Project Genesis, has noticed the impact of the reduction of bus and Metro services on vulnerable populations. He described many residents in the neighbourhood near Côte-Sainte-Catherine Metro station in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce as low income and often isolated. "It's really hard on them, there are no other options," said Saxe. He said some need public transportation to bring their children to medical appointments or to get to overnight jobs. "People are living way below the poverty line, struggling every day with housing problems and income problems," he said, highlighting the need for public transit. "It's not just a business, it's a needed service for people." Ahmed El-Geneidy, a professor at McGill University who teaches transport planning, echoes Saxe's concerns. "This planned disruption is actually harming the most vulnerable in the society," he said. El-Geneidy noted that among the most affected are early-morning workers at coffee shops and hospital staff who must be physically present at their jobs. He said society needs to return to the "mentality we had during COVID," when transit was recognized as an essential service. "We kept the transit and we put a lot of money in there and we felt it was an essential service. Today, we are saying: 'No, it's not that essential,'" said El-Geneidy. He argued that disruptions like this strike might have long-term consequences on people's behaviour when it comes to their transportation choices. According to him, they could push people who are "captive riders" — those who rely on public transit because they have no other option — to turn to cars once they gain access to alternatives. "They will not choose to be transit riders. Those are the ones you're going to harm the most," he said.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Montreal transit agency urges commuters to prepare as STM maintenance strike nears
As the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers' strike approaches, the agency is urging commuters to plan ahead, consider active transportation options, or work from home. The STM has said the strike, which runs from June 9 to 17, will affect traffic across Montreal. 'We're aware of the inconvenience this strike may cause for our customers, and we're doing everything we can to help ensure their trips go as smoothly as possible,' said STM general manager Marie-Claude Léonard. 'We're in a time of change, and it's important that we refocus on our core mission: moving people. Given the STM's current financial context, we need to ensure our operations remain cost-effective. This must be reflected in the ongoing collective agreement negotiations in order to respect the financial limits of our funding partners.' An essential services schedule will remain in place, as per a ruling by Quebec's labour tribunal, the Tribunal administratif du travail. Bus and Metro service will run normally during the Montreal Grand Prix, from June 13 to 15. Paratransit will also not be affected by the strike. June 9 to 11 According to the STM, school routes and shuttle buses for planned outings will operate as usual, even during off-peak hours. REM replacement shuttles will only run between 11:15 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. Metro stations will be closed outside scheduled service hours. June 12, 16 and 17 On these dates, the STM will operate at 50 per cent capacity. Metro service will run at half the usual frequency—one train out of two—and roughly half of all bus trips will be cancelled. The exact number of cancellations will vary depending on operational needs. No refunds or compensation The STM said no refunds or financial compensation will be offered for activated monthly or weekly passes. However, other fare types may be used at a later date or could be eligible for a refund. he agency added that negotiations are ongoing. It has proposed the use of a third party to help find solutions and potentially speed up talks with the union.
