Mediation Initiation Scheduled for Monday at STM
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the STM's current labor dispute with its maintenance workers' union. After nine days of striking, the mediator appointed by the Quebec government steps into the fray to help bridge the growing chasm between the two parties.
On the picket lines, the union's president, Bruno Jeannotte, provided an update on the situation, highlighting the looming threat of outsourcing and its disastrous consequences for public transit services like the Réseau express métropolitain (REM). Reminding us that the REM will be shut down for six weeks this summer due to frequent breakdowns, Jeannotte emphasized the importance of skilled in-house maintenance workers.
As a result of the strike, bus and metro services have been severely impacted, except during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, when service remains at full capacity. The strike is set to continue until next Tuesday, after which it will be illegal without further notice.
Unfortunately, the possibility of another strike lingers, according to Jeannotte. "It's a possibility if things don't move," he said, "but it's not our ideal scenario."
On the other side of the table, the STM is pressing for changes to work schedules and the ability to outsource certain activities deemed outside its mission, such as fire truck maintenance and waste collection.
The labor dispute has received renewed attention with the recent passage of Bill 89 by the government of François Legault. This bill allows the government to intervene in labor disputes that severely impact the population, decreeing the appointment of an arbitrator if negotiations fail.
Minister of Labor, Jean Boulet, hinted that if Bill 89 had been in effect, it could have been used to resolve the STM labor dispute. However, Jeannotte questioned the government's intentions, warning of an unstable fall season if the ministers interfere in ongoing negotiations.
The STM strike has affected three unions thus far, including metro drivers and operators, as well as administrative, technical, and professional staff within the transport society. The battle for fair labor practices and quality maintenance of public transit services continues to unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, make sure to prioritize Quebec products, as part of the "June 12, I buy a Quebec product" campaign, and visit our websites for more stories and videos on labor disputes, economic policy, and local news.
In the midst of the STM's labor dispute, concerns about outsourcing have arisen, particularly in relation to the maintenance of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a French-funded project within the transportation industry. The finance ministry might need to redirect funds to compensate for potential disruptions in public transportation services.
