My Alerts 
In an effort to move closer to an agreement with the union, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announces its intention to continue negotiations with a third party and proceed to the next step outlined in the Act respecting the process of negotiation of collective agreements and the settlement of disputes in the municipal sector. This step involves submitting a formal request for the appointment of a special mandatary.
The 60-day mandate of the mediator ended yesterday, September 30, at 11:59 p.m., in accordance with the timeline set by law. The mediator had the authority to propose an extension of the mediation period but deemed it inappropriate to do so. The STM respects this decision.
“After two comprehensive offers and setbacks, we must face the facts: we are at an impasse. We believe that moving to the next step provided by law, to continue negotiations with another third party, is the best option to move toward a resolution and avoid another strike,” said Marie-Claude Léonard, STM’s Chief Executive Officer. “The latest exchanges offered no progress on certain normative clauses, demanded enormous concessions, and even proposed rollbacks on elements already agreed upon. In our view, continuing mediation beyond the originally planned mandate would not bring the parties any closer.”
If the request is approved by the Ministry, both parties will be required to fully cooperate, while respecting each party’s negotiation rights.