Bus and metro operators gathered outside Montreal’s Palais des congrès on November 1. The Canadian Press
The Quebec government plans to introduce new legislation giving it power to end labour disputes affecting Montreal’s public transit system. Labour Minister Jean Boulet said the province must act quickly to stop the ongoing strikes that have limited bus and metro service since late October.
Boulet told reporters on Tuesday in Quebec City that he will table the bill on Wednesday. The proposed law would give the government authority to restrict certain strike actions and impose arbitration if disputes threaten public well-being.
“We must put an end to this conflict, which is causing so much pain in Montreal,” Boulet said. “Public transportation in Montreal is literally an essential service. We cannot tolerate this.”
Strikes Disrupt Transit Services
The latest strike by the city’s 2,400 maintenance workers began on October 31 and is set to continue until November 28. During this period, public transit operates only during rush hours and late evenings, leaving many commuters frustrated.
At the same time, the union representing 4,500 bus drivers and metro operators has announced a two-day strike this weekend. This follows a one-day strike on November 1 that shut down all service across the city.
Boulet said these disruptions have created chaos for Montrealers who rely on transit daily. He described the situation as unacceptable and said the new bill would allow the government to step in sooner than planned.
Law Would Expand Minister’s Powers
The legislation Boulet wants to accelerate was initially scheduled to take effect on November 30. It was passed in the spring and gives the labour minister authority to end strikes or lockouts that harm the public by ordering binding arbitration.
The law also broadens what qualifies as an essential service to include those that protect “the well-being of the population.” Boulet said enforcing it earlier would let him require a higher level of service during the drivers’ strike and resolve the maintenance workers’ dispute through arbitration if mediation fails.
“We must ensure that the law comes into effect as quickly as possible to put an end to the nightmare that so many people in Montreal are experiencing,” Boulet said.
Unions and Opposition Push Back
Unions strongly oppose the government’s plan, saying it undermines workers’ rights and weakens collective bargaining. The maintenance workers’ union said the proposed intervention shows the government “prefers to attack workers’ rights once again rather than adequately fund public transit.”
Union leaders argue that the law gives employers less reason to negotiate fairly, as they can wait for the government to intervene. Negotiations continued Tuesday, focusing on wage demands and concerns over outsourcing maintenance work. The transit agency maintains it cannot afford the salary increases requested by workers.
Opposition parties in the National Assembly remain divided. Québec Solidaire member Alexandre Leduc said his party will not support the government’s bill, accusing Boulet of “adding fuel to the fire” by stepping into labour talks. Boulet did not rule out limiting debate to push the bill through quickly if needed.
Mayor Calls for Resolution
Montreal’s mayor-elect, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, urged both sides to settle their disputes before the province steps in. She said residents have suffered enough from disrupted transit services.
“What I’m saying to the unions and what I’m saying to the transit agency is: hurry up and negotiate,” she said.
