STM strike drags into Day 3, Montrealers grow frustrated
Posted September 26, 2025 3:08 pm.
Last Updated September 26, 2025 4:56 pm.
Transit users across Montreal are feeling the pressure as the STM’s rotating strike enters its third day, with many describing missed appointments, cancelled plans, and rising frustration.
Nearly 2,400 maintenance workers walked off the job Monday as part of a rotating strike set to continue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through Oct. 5. On those days, metro service is only available during three short windows, and bus frequency is reduced across the city.
“It does affect me every single day,” said one commuter outside the Champ-de-Mars metro station. “It affects me, it affects my friends, it affects my husband. So it’s very inconvenient.”
She added that the strike is hurting people who depend on public transit for essential appointments.
“You end up spending a lot of money on extra transport… and when you don’t make it on your appointment, then you’re gonna miss it.”
A broken door — and broader frustrations
On Wednesday morning, a glass door at Champ-de-Mars metro station was shattered around 10:15 a.m., shortly after the morning service window ended. A commuter, frustrated by the closure, reportedly kicked the door. The STM confirmed that special constables were sent to investigate and repairs are underway.
While that incident drew attention, many other riders told CityNews that tensions are growing — especially near hospitals like CHUM.
“It affects people who work in the hospital, especially volunteers,” said one woman. “They don’t get paid — they’re just doing it for the people.”
An older man said the strike has made it harder for people with less income to get around.
“They can’t take taxis and they can’t move. So it’s very difficult for them,” he said. “It affects the strike, especially for the people who are going to work, and the appointment at the hospital, of course.”
He said he once missed a medical appointment during a previous strike day:
“I took the bus, and when I got there, they locked the doors… I was not even able to take a taxi to my appointment at the hospital.”
Disruptions ripple across daily life
Others told CityNews they’ve had to change plans or cancel outings due to the limited transit windows.
“I had to change my plan this morning… I won’t be able to make it [to my event tonight],” said one man. “I’ll have to go back home early because otherwise I’ll miss my train.”
Another rider said the limited evening service makes it hard to get home after work.
“When you work late at your job and you cannot go home with the metro… it’s a bit difficult in the evening.”
While not all commuters are directly affected, many are seeing the impact on people around them.
“Honestly it didn’t affect me that much because I live in downtown,” said one woman. “But I know it affects a lot of my friends… they’re staying in my place until the next bus or the next metro comes.”
One woman summed up her growing frustration with the city as a whole.
“The city is just not as great as it used to be,” she said. “It’s getting to the point where you end up moving outside the city… it’s very inconvenient.”
STM says negotiations continue, but union demands are high
In a statement to CityNews, STM spokesperson Renaud Martel-Théorêt said talks with the union have intensified.
“Since Monday, we have been engaged in intensive negotiations,” he said. “The STM is making every effort to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
Martel-Théorêt also said the union has not updated its wage demands since before the strike began.
“We have not received any further details from the union regarding its salary demands, which at that time amounted to approximately 25% over five years.”
He noted that the union’s total requests — including bonuses and changes to working conditions — would exceed STM’s proposed budget by over $300 million, or 40 per cent.
Despite the disruptions, STM says most customers are adjusting better than during the first strike in August.
“Despite the inconvenience, customers are much better prepared and informed than they were during the first strike. The improved communication tools are greatly appreciated.”
The STM says it remains committed to resolving the dispute — but also reminded the public that violence or aggression toward staff will not be tolerated.
Next strike day: Monday
The next scheduled strike day is Monday, with service again limited to:
- 6:30–9:30 a.m.
- 2:45–5:45 p.m.
- 11 p.m. to closing
Riders are urged to check the STM’s website or the STM’s social media accounts for updates and plan extra travel time.
