Montreal's STM Strike: Disruptions and the Road Ahead
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) strike, now in its third week, has left over 1.5 million daily commuters grappling with severe service cuts. Buses and métro lines operate on skeleton schedules, with some stations closed entirely and transfers between services now impossible. As of November 18, 2025, negotiations remain deadlocked between the STM and the Syndicat municipal des métros, taxis et transports (AMRT), the union representing 5,000 drivers and technicians.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents describe "a logistical nightmare" as schoolchildren walk miles to campuses and medical workers delay shifts. Taxi app usage has spiked by 300%, with wait times exceeding two hours during peak hours. The Cote-des-Neiges métro station, once a regional hub, now sees only 12 trains per day—a 75% reduction from pre-strike levels.
Union Demands and Management
The AMRT seeks a 12% wage increase, expanded hazard pay, and protection against potential outsourcing. The STM proposes a 6% raise with "work environment improvements." Union spokesperson Martin Tremblay states, "Our members are exhausted from 80-hour workweeks and unsafe conditions. This isn't just about money—it's about dignity.
Economic Consequences
The Federation of Quebec Chamber of Commerce estimates $12 million daily in economic losses from the strike. Local businesses report empty storefronts and reduced deliveries, with 38% of surveyed workers considering permanent relocation outside Montreal if the strike extends past December.
Alternatives and Adaptations
Universities are offering remote exams, bike-sharing memberships surged by 62%, and carpool lanes are now open to solo vehicles. Despite these measures, city officials warn that "Montreal's economic competitiveness is at stake."
As both sides dig in, the question lingers: will this strike break the city’s transportation system, or force long-overdue reforms?
