Montreal Transit Workers Secure New 5-Year Deal

0:00Maintenance workers at Montreal's transit system just locked in a new five-year deal. On Sunday, 86% of them voted yes on a mediator's proposal, smashing a two-year deadlock with the agency and their union. These 2,400 workers kicked off four limited strikes last June 1, in June, September and November. Shedding down buses and metros, outside rush hours and late nights. The agreement packs a 17.5% paid bump for trades workers and 16% for support staff, plus fixes to overtime banking. And grievance handling. A mediator dropped recommendations back on March 24, right after strike threats. Union head, Caroline Cineville points fingers at the Quebec government for stalling talks with back-to-work bill threats, while STM, CEO, Marie Claude. Leonard cheers the negotiated win for keeping labor peace. This marks the fourth fresh contract for STM crews lately.

1:00Security guards and office clerks remain contract-free since January, but with maintenance sorted, expects smoother rides ahead as more deals line up. That's your Canada News today update, AI powered and always on.