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CTV News
14-06-2025
- CTV News
Proposed class action targets STM over strike disruptions
Special constables from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) lock the doors to the metro station as metro and buses discontinue service due to the strike by maintenance workers in Montreal on Monday, June 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi A request to authorize a class action lawsuit has been filed against the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) on behalf of transit riders who purchased a monthly or weekly pass. Lawyers for Michelle Phuong Thao have filed the proposed claim over the STM's maintenance workers' strike, which began last week and caused major disruptions for users across the island. The STM has previously said it would not reimburse or compensate activated or monthly passes. The lawsuit argues that when the strike was called on June 9, users were not given sufficient notice to reorganize or obtain a refund for their passes. 'In practice, many users were unable to benefit from paid services and were forced to find expensive or impractical alternatives for getting around,' the lawsuit states. 'However, these service interruptions, resulting from the strike, deprive consumers of the use of their monthly card, even though the STM continues to collect the full price, without offering compensation or an adequate reimbursement mechanism.' Additionally, the lawsuit claims the STM is engaging in a practice 'prohibited' under the Consumer Protection Act by failing to provide the services stipulated in the contract and making false or misleading representations regarding the availability and continuity of its services. The strike was paused during the Grand Prix weekend but will resume on Monday and continue until June 17. The Quebec government has named a mediator, with the first session scheduled for June 16. The legal action seeks a proportional refund for unused transit services, punitive damages for misleading consumers and failing to disclose the disruption. Quebec's Superior Court has not ruled on the request. In a written statement, the STM said it was aware of the request for authorization but declined to comment since the strike is ongoing. 'However, we would like to point out that the current strike is legal and that users were informed as soon as the strike notice was received on May 29.'
CTV News
10-06-2025
- CTV News
The STM provides details on service during the maintenance workers' strike
A special constable from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) explains restricted hours as users are stranded due to a strike by STM maintenance workers in Montreal on Monday, June 9, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi) As maintenance workers enter their second day of strike on Tuesday, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has provided details about its service to prevent a repeat of certain situations experienced on Monday. On the first day of the strike, several users found themselves facing closed doors when they arrived at metro stations towards the end of the morning opening period. For the first phase of the strike, until Wednesday, the STM had announced that the metro network would operate between 6:30 a.m. and 9:38 a.m. before closing its doors until the afternoon rush hour. However, 9:38 a.m. refers to the end of service time, not the time of the last departure, which caused confusion among many users who had to turn back on Monday morning. 'Metro stations close as the last train makes its final run, often before the end of essential service,' the STM explained in a statement released on Monday evening. To help users navigate these disruptions to their daily routine, the STM has added the departure time of the last train at each station on the strike information page of its website. 'We strongly recommend that you arrive at the station 10 minutes before the last train to ensure your journey,' the STM added. Regarding the bus network, the transit agency has advised users to rely on the real-time schedules available through its customer information tools. Empty trains? Another situation that caused discontent among some users on Monday was that empty metro trains continued to pass through stations after the essential service period had ended, while STM employees forced people who were still on the platforms to leave. The STM has said that this procedure is necessary so that trains can be parked gradually at the end of service. 'It should be noted that empty trains honk their horns and slow down without stopping when passing through stations. This manoeuvre ensures the safety of passengers and employees on the platforms,' the STM emphasized. A similar procedure takes place before the start of service in order to distribute trains across the network in anticipation of opening. 'The STM is aware that the maintenance union strike is having a significant impact on the daily lives of its users. However, it asks for respect for its employees who are on the ground to provide essential services,' the press release said. Until next Tuesday The strike by 2,400 maintenance employees will, therefore, continue on Tuesday for a second day. As was the case on Monday, buses and metro trains will only run during the morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late in the evening. Outside these periods, service will be suspended. This scenario will be repeated on Wednesday. On Thursday, service will be 100 per cent during rush hour, which will be extended by one hour, and 50 per cent outside of rush hour. From Friday to Sunday, service will be maintained at its usual level due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Finally, on Monday and Tuesday, service will be provided at 100 per cent during rush hour periods and at 50 per cent outside of these periods, but rush hour periods will return to their schedule from when the strike began. Paratransit service will be maintained at all times. School bus service will also be maintained, but no service will be offered outside of rush hours until Wednesday this week. Discussions between the union representing maintenance workers and STM management are set to resume on Wednesday. The union criticizes the employer for wanting to impose setbacks, particularly with regard to the use of subcontractors. Schedules related to night work are also a point of contention. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French June 10, 2025.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
STM strike leaves Montreal-area commuters stranded
Montreal Watch The first day of the STM maintenance workers' strike left Montreal-area commuters stranded as union members walked off the job for parts of the day.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- CTV News
STM strike: What you need to know to get around Montreal
Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers are expected to strike from June 9 to 17, potentially affecting traffic across the island. The STM said school routes and shuttle buses for planned outings should operate as usual. Between June 9 and 11, buses will only run during peak hours: from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. There will be no bus service outside these hours. The Metro will only run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., between 2:45 p.m. and 5:48 p.m., and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on those days. On June 12, 16 and July 1, the STM says it will operate at 50 per cent capacity. Metro service will run at half the usual frequency, and roughly half of all bus trips will be cancelled. There should be regular service between June 13 and 15 to serve the public during the Grand Prix weekend, before strike hours come back into effect June 16 and 17. Student attendance 'essential' School boards and centres have stated that they will not make exceptions for exams on strike days. The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) sent a note to parents with the STM schedule, saying students must be there for all exams, and it is their responsibility to arrive on time. The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal said the same. 'Parents will be reminded of this important time of the school year for student success,' it said in a statement. 'This strike coincides with the exam period. Student attendance and adherence to the scheduled timetable remain essential. It will therefore be important to plan for alternative transport and allow more time than usual for the journey.' The president of the English Parents' Committee Association of Quebec, Katherine Korakakis, said parents are worried. She said that when it comes to exams, some of which are worth 50 per cent of final grades, students cannot show up late or retake their tests. Korakakis said parents are being left to mitigate the effects of the strike. 'Not everybody has a car, not everybody can leave work early or arrive late at work ... there's a lot at stake,' said Korakakis. She said she hopes the STM and its workers come to an agreement soon and put an end to the strike. Westmount High In a statement sent to parents and students, and reviewed by CTV News, Westmount High School stated that it aims to accommodate the strike schedule, adding that it will hold all final exams in the morning next week to ensure that students who rely on public transit can attend. The change will not apply to pre-scheduled science labs and French oral exams, which were scheduled by appointment. The school is encouraging students to arrive early to avoid missing assignments and to make alternative transportation arrangements with their parents if necessary. The library will remain open in the afternoon, as well as the gym. Teachers will be advising students on afternoon tutorials. 'We recognize that this situation may cause inconvenience and appreciate your continued support and cooperation in helping our students successfully complete their exams,' the school notes. With files from CTV News' Anastasia Dextrene.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
STM maintenance workers going on strike June 9, union says
A Montreal Metro maintenance worker walks along a station platform during the early hours of the morning in Montreal, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press) The STM maintenance workers' union has announced a strike starting on June 9, which could coincide with the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montreal. The duration of the strike is not yet known; the union said Thursday that it will be 'confirmed in the coming days.' This is the union's second attempt to strike at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), after the court prevented it from going on strike as planned last week. The maintenance workers' union wanted to shut down the Metro for a day, providing no essential services for the Metro, only for buses. The Administrative Labour Tribunal refused, ruling that the provision of essential services in this case was insufficient. This time, the union affiliated with the CSN, which represents approximately 2,400 maintenance workers, has announced a strike next month. The essential services to be maintained during the strike will have to be assessed by the Administrative Labour Tribunal, which must determine whether the essential services provided would be sufficient to avoid endangering the health or safety of the public. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 29, 2025. By Lia Lévesque, The Canadian Press
