Montreal Transit Workers Suspend Strike Amidst New Government Legislation
Montreal, QC – Maintenance workers for Montreal’s public transit system have suspended their strike just days before new legislation granting the Quebec government increased power to intervene in labor disputes was formally tabled. The union representing the 2,400 workers announced the suspension on Wednesday,despite vowing to continue their fight for improved wages and working conditions.
The move preempts Labour Minister Jean Boulet’s introduction of legislation that would expedite the application of a law allowing the provincial government to impose binding arbitration in strikes or lockouts deemed detrimental to the public. originally slated to take effect November 30th, the law was adopted in the spring and expands the definition of essential services to include those ensuring “the well-being of the population.”
“We’ve lost an important lever” with the legislation, union president Bruno Jeannotte stated Wednesday. However, he emphasized the workers’ resolve, adding, “it’s not because we’ve withdrawn this strike that we’re giving up – on the contrary.”
The strike had significantly limited bus and subway service in Montreal, restricting operations to peak hours and late evenings. It was initially scheduled to conclude on November 28th,but Jeannotte explained the expedited application of the new law would have hindered future strike action and intricate negotiations.
Despite the suspension of this strike, Minister Boulet defended the need to fast-track the legislation, citing a planned two-day strike by the union representing 4,500 bus drivers and subway operators this weekend, following a previous one-day strike on November 1st that completely halted service.
However, Boulet expressed optimism, stating that information he’s received “points to a strong reasonableness that there will be an agreement in principle” reached through negotiation.
The bill’s swift passage through the Quebec legislature will require support from opposition parties. While the Liberals and parti Québécois have indicated a willingness to collaborate, Québec solidaire remains opposed to the legislation.
