The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) intends to eliminate 255 positions, or approximately 5% of its workforce, in order to generate savings “without affecting the service offering”. The announcement made on Wednesday caused consternation from the union of administrative, technical and professional staff of the public company.
The STM says it is redoubled its efforts to optimize its spending, after having committed to making savings of “$100 million in five years”, without however cutting the service offering. “A 5% reduction in payroll is part of the measures to achieve our objective,” said Amélie Régis, public affairs at the Company. The latter adds that the company will be able to take stock when the budget for the year 2024 is approved. The pandemic has exacerbated major financial challenges that public transit already faced before.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) emphasizes that its members were “particularly shocked” by the fact that two weeks ago, the Société de transport de Montréal had mentioned “the abolition of 120 positions, while today today, it’s more like double.” “Non-unionized, unionized, administrative and professional jobs are particularly affected,” he specifies.
A meeting with STM management has been planned by the union organization, in order to obtain more details regarding the company’s restructuring plan. “It is important for us to preserve not only jobs, but also the quality of service offered to the public, despite the financial challenges encountered by the company,” says the president of local CUPE 2850, Stéphane Lamont.
The latter, however, says he is aware of the broader context to consider, such as “the ongoing standoff concerning the financing of transport companies between Quebec and the municipalities”.
Further details will follow