STM maintenance workers to go on strike Sept. 22 to Oct. 5
Posted September 11, 2025 3:30 pm.
Last Updated September 11, 2025 5:39 pm.
Montrealers who rely on public transit should brace for another round of disruptions as STM maintenance workers prepare to strike from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5.
During that period, buses and the metro will only operate during peak hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6:15 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 to 6 p.m. Service will resume nightly at 11 p.m. until closing.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, regular schedules will remain in place and adapted transit will continue to run as usual.
Union president Bruno Jeannotte described the strike as a last resort. “It’s the ultimate means we have to try to make things happen at the bargaining table,” he said in an interview with CityNews on Thursday.
The Syndicat du transport de Montréal – which represents more than 2,400 workers, is seeking a 25 per cent wage increase over five years.
The STM argues it needs more flexibility in scheduling and subcontracting to deal with financial pressures.
STM spokesperson Katherine Roux Groleau said the transit authority remains committed to finding a deal. “We are fully committed to this negotiation and we’ll do everything we can with the mediator and the union to prevent the strike,” she at a press conference on Thursday.
To reduce confusion for commuters, the STM says it has increased signage and audio messages in stations. Departure times for the last trains during strike days will also be clearly posted. They are also asking commuters to plan ahead by visiting the reduced schedule on their website.
Despite the looming disruption, some Montrealers expressed support for the workers. “If the workers feel their rights are not respected, they should fight for what’s right,” said commuter Sylvano Edmond.
Another commuter, Hannah Salkovitz, said she understands the union’s position. “It’s happening for a reason. People need to get paid,” she said.
Commuter Haniyfa Scott agreed, saying people should consider the workers’ perspective. “You’re being inconvenienced a little bit, but what about them? We’re not even thinking about the other side.”
The strike action comes after a similar walkout in June that left many riders scrambling for alternatives.
