STM overtime strike ends, but no deal yet with maintenance workers
Posted January 11, 2026 10:51 am.
Last Updated January 11, 2026 1:31 pm.
The month-long overtime strike by 2,400 STM maintenance workers ends Sunday at 11:59 p.m., but a final agreement has not yet been reached, the STM confirmed.
The union, affiliated with the CSN, began refusing overtime work on Dec. 11. This is the fourth strike by the union, which previously went on strike in June, September–October, and November.
In a statement to CityNews, the STM said it remains fully committed to reaching a deal with the maintenance workers’ union, which it considers the best solution.
The transit agency noted that negotiations have been ongoing for more than 20 months, with over 120 meetings, six months of unsuccessful mediation, and a 45-day conciliation process.
Since the end of mediation, the STM said discussions have been held in a select committee in an attempt to break the deadlock last December. The agency added that its negotiation team has been available throughout the holiday period to resume talks. To date, no new meeting date has been agreed upon.
The STM has made multiple offers to the maintenance workers, including compromises and salary improvements. It also pointed out that agreements have been successfully reached with other employee groups, such as bus and metro drivers, station agents, and administrative staff. A deal in principle was reached with the professionals’ union on Dec. 31.
“These agreements take into account both the needs of employees and the unprecedented financial reality facing the organization,” the STM said in its statement. “In this context, significant self-financing opportunities were identified jointly with the union parties, making it possible to improve the financial framework and offer concrete salary increases.”
The CSQ union confirmed to CityNews that the overtime strike has ended, but said the parties have not yet reached a final agreement.
