After a 37-year career, the first woman to become a bus driver for the Société de transport de Montréal is retiring. Francine Maltais joined the company ranks, then known as the CTCUM, in 1977
After a 37-year career, the first woman to become a bus driver for the Société de transport de Montréal is retiring. Francine Maltais joined the company ranks, then known as the CTCUM, in 1977.
Over the years, women made their way in the company and started to take on work that was previously exclusive to men, thanks to the courage of Ms. Maltais and of the other women who followed in her steps. She was indeed a pioneer and the STM salutes her and wishes her all the best in her retirement.
Diversity on the rise
Concerned with being an accurate reflection of the customers it serves, the STM implemented an employment equity action plan in 1987. And even though today, all job categories are included in the plan, when it was first adopted, the plan’s main focus was really on three categories, namely drivers and operators, janitorial staff and métro constables. With time, the plan produced results, as the numbers below clearly illustrate.
Representation of women | ||
1987 | 2013 | |
Drivers / operators | 3.5% | 26% or 1,133 |
Janitorial staff | 5 % | 31.5% or 210 |
Métro constables | 3.7% | 15% or 27 |
Representation of ethnic and visible minorities | ||
1987 | 2013 | |
Drivers / operators | 4.6% | 27% or 1,177 |
Janitorial staff | 12.2% | 29.5% or 197 |
Métro constables | 4.3% | 27.2% or 49 |
Since then, the STM has introduced a number of initiatives that positioned the company as a leader in the area of diversity. In 2012, it even adopted a declaration on diversity and inclusion.
More details about diversity at the STM
Ms Maltais last day of work
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