STM administrative staff approve 5-year contract, maintenance workers move toward OT strike

The STM’s administrative, technical and professional employees have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new five-year collective agreement, even as other STM workers prepare for their own crucial decisions in the coming days.

Members of CUPE Local 2850 approved the agreement in a general assembly Wednesday night, with 75 per cent voting in favour. The vote comes as other STM workers, including maintenance employees, have issues a notice of an overtime strike.

The deal, reached on Nov. 16, covers 1,284 workers across departments such as IT, accounting and human resources.

“We’re satisfied with this agreement given the very difficult context in public transit,” said union president Stéphane Lamont in a statement. “Negotiations lasted nearly a year and a half. The bargaining committee worked hard to protect strong working conditions.”

The contract includes wage increases, reinforced oversight on subcontracting and a pilot project for a four-day, 32-hour work week.

It also maintains accumulated benefits during paternity leave, keeps the existing telework letter of agreement, improves progressive retirement options and enhances the salary scale, including shortening the time required to reach the top pay level.

CUPE, which represents 143,000 members province-wide, including roughly 8,700 in land transportation, called the ratification an important win amid ongoing financial pressures facing public transit systems.

The STM’s board of directors has already approved the tentative agreement. In a statement, STM director general Marie-Claude Léonard welcomed the result.

“It’s the culmination of several months of negotiation to address the issues raised on both sides,” Léonard said. “I thank the two negotiating teams for their efforts, which led to an agreement that respects our financial framework and helps maintain a healthy and harmonious work environment.”

While the deal marks progress with one group of employees, labour discussions continue elsewhere within the transit agency.

Members of the union representing bus drivers, metro operators and station agents are set to vote on their own tentative agreement on Dec. 14.