REM Workers to Protest Working Conditions as New Line Opens Monday
Deux-Montagnes, QC – Employees represented by the SFPQ union are planning a demonstration at the newly inaugurated Deux-Montagnes REM station this weekend, timed to coincide with free public access to the expanded network. The protest, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, aims to raise awareness of ongoing labor disputes with REM operators.
The demonstration comes as the $9.4 billion Réseau express régional (REM) prepares to officially launch its extended Deux-Montagnes line on monday, bringing the total number of stations to 19 and spanning nearly 50 kilometers across Montreal and its surrounding areas. While officials celebrated the opening Friday with dignitaries including Premiers Mark Carney and François Legault, the SFPQ is using the high-profile event to highlight what they describe as “quite serious problems” faced by workers.
nicolas Leduc-Lafantaisie, regional president of the SFPQ, stated the union intends to distribute leaflets to inform visitors about the labor concerns. “It’s a stunning installation, it’s great, it’s new, but know that currently there are workers who have quite serious problems with their employer,” he saeid.
The REM has offered free access to the entire network between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. this weekend, specifically between the Deux-Montagnes and Central stations, to encourage public ridership and familiarize commuters with the new routes. Before the Deux-montagnes extension, the REM operated with only five stations.
Company spokesperson Mme Maurice asserts the REM negotiates “in good faith with all the unions” representing its various employee groups.
The REM anticipates approximately 150,000 daily crossings once the entire network is fully operational. The project’s final cost of $9.4 billion represents a $2.4 billion increase over the initial 2018 budget.
