Montreal transit users react to beginning of month-long strike – CBC

Report on Montreal Public Transit Strike and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

A series of labor strikes involving two separate unions has resulted in a significant disruption of Montreal’s public transit system. A 24-hour full shutdown is followed by a 27-day period of reduced service, impacting the city’s progress towards several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report analyzes the strike’s implications for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.0 Disruption to Sustainable Urban Infrastructure (SDG 11)

The strike action directly undermines SDG 11, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. The operational status of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is severely compromised.

2.1 Service Reductions

For the 27-day period ending November 28, bus and Metro services are restricted to rush-hour periods, severely limiting mobility for residents outside these times. Adapted transit services remain operational.

2.1.1 Bus Service Hours

• 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
• 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.

2.1.2 Metro Service Hours

• 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• 11:00 p.m. until usual closing time.

2.2 Impact on Civic and Community Life

The service disruption coincides with significant events, hindering community access and participation. This includes:

1. The municipal election day.
2. Major professional sporting events for teams including the Montreal Roses, Montreal Alouettes, Laval Rocket, and the Habs.

3.0 Labor Disputes and the Pursuit of Decent Work (SDG 8)

The core of the transit shutdown is a labor dispute, highlighting tensions related to SDG 8, which promotes fair employment and decent working conditions for all.

3.1 Unions Involved and Demands

• Syndicat des chauffeurs, opérateurs et employés des services connexes (SCFP 1983): Representing drivers, Metro operators, and station agents, this union is demanding improved schedules and the elimination of unpaid work.
• Syndicat du Transport de Montréal: Representing maintenance workers, this union’s key negotiation points include wage increases and an end to the outsourcing of labor. The union argues outsourcing is not a viable long-term financial strategy.

3.2 Employer Position

The STM has stated that it operates on a fixed budget and cannot meet the wage demands presented by the maintenance workers’ union.

4.0 Exacerbating Urban Inequalities (SDG 10)

The strike disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, challenging the objective of SDG 10 to reduce inequality within and among countries. Public transit advocacy group Trajectoire Québec noted that the Quebec labour tribunal’s decision did not fully account for citizens who cannot afford or are physically unable to use alternative transportation. The lack of accessible public transit creates significant barriers for low-income residents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, deepening existing social and economic divides.

5.0 Setbacks for Climate Action (SDG 13)

A reduction in public transit availability directly counters efforts outlined in SDG 13 to combat climate change. With limited bus and Metro service, residents are forced to seek alternative transportation, which may increase the city’s carbon footprint.

5.1 Alternative Transportation Measures

• Bixi Montréal: Enhancing service and adding drop-off stations.
• Car-Sharing Services (Communauto, Leo Carshare): Increasing vehicle availability and encouraging carpooling.
• Ride-Hailing Services (Uber): Capping dynamic pricing and encouraging shared trips.

While these alternatives provide mobility, a potential increase in single-occupancy vehicle trips poses a risk to the city’s climate goals by increasing road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The article directly addresses labor issues, which are central to SDG 8. The strikes by two different unions of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) are due to disputes over working conditions. The union representing drivers and operators is demanding “better schedules and the end of unpaid work,” while the maintenance workers’ union is negotiating over “wage increases and outsourcing.” These issues are fundamental to the concept of decent work.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The core subject of the article is the disruption of public transportation in a major city, Montreal. Public transit is a critical component of sustainable urban infrastructure. The shutdown and reduction of bus and Metro services directly impact the accessibility and sustainability of the city’s transport system, which is a key focus of SDG 11.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   The article highlights the unequal impact of the transit strike on different segments of the population. The public transit advocacy group, Trajectoire Québec, points out that the labor tribunal’s decision “takes for granted that everyone can afford — or is fit enough — to get around with the ‘very few’ alternatives that exist.” This suggests that the strike disproportionately affects individuals with lower incomes, physical disabilities, or other vulnerabilities who rely heavily on public transit, thereby exacerbating inequalities.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   The article touches upon the functioning of institutions and civic participation. It mentions that the “maintenance workers’ strike will include municipal election day” and that the labor tribunal decided its role was “not to weigh citizens’ right to vote against workers’ right to strike.” This raises questions about ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making processes, such as voting, when essential public services are disrupted.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The entire conflict stems from a failure to agree on terms that the unions consider fair and just. The demands for “better schedules,” an “end of unpaid work,” fair “wage increases,” and disputes over “outsourcing” are all directly related to protecting labor rights and ensuring a secure working environment.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all…notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations. The article details the complete shutdown and subsequent severe reduction of bus and Metro services, which directly contravenes the goal of providing access to public transport. The statement from Trajectoire Québec about the strike being a “nightmare for some who rely on public transit” explicitly points to the failure to consider the needs of vulnerable populations.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of…disability…or economic or other status. The disruption of an affordable mode of transport like the bus and Metro creates a significant barrier to social and economic inclusion. As the advocacy group notes, not everyone can afford alternatives like taxis or car-sharing, or is physically able to use options like Bixi bikes. This hinders the ability of people with lower economic status or physical limitations to participate fully in city life.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The fact that the strike coincides with municipal election day presents a direct challenge to this target. The lack of public transit can be a significant barrier for citizens, particularly the elderly and those with low incomes, to exercise their right to vote, thus undermining participatory decision-making.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 8 (Target 8.8)

   • Frequency and duration of labor strikes: The article provides specific data on this, mentioning a “24-hour strike,” a “month-long strike,” and previous strikes lasting “9 days” and “14 days.” A reduction in the frequency and duration of such strikes could indicate progress in labor relations.
   • Resolution of labor disputes: The specific “sticking points” mentioned—”wage increases,” “outsourcing,” “better schedules,” and “unpaid work”—serve as qualitative indicators. The successful negotiation of these points would signify progress toward protecting labor rights.

2. For SDG 11 (Target 11.2)

   • Availability of public transport service: The article provides precise indicators of service disruption. It states that transit is “shut down all day Saturday” and service is reduced to specific rush-hour windows (e.g., Bus: “from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.”). The percentage of normal operating hours that the service is available is a direct, measurable indicator of access.
   • Accessibility for vulnerable populations: The qualitative assessment by Trajectoire Québec that the situation is a “nightmare” for some and that not everyone can afford or manage alternatives serves as an indicator of the system’s failure to cater to vulnerable groups during the disruption.

3. For SDG 10 (Target 10.2)

   • Affordability of transportation alternatives: The article implies this indicator by contrasting the public transit system with alternatives like “car-sharing apps and taxis.” The concern that “not everyone can afford” these alternatives suggests that the price differential between public transit and its substitutes is a measure of the economic barrier faced by low-income residents.

4. For SDG 16 (Target 16.7)

   • Barriers to civic participation: The coincidence of the strike with “municipal election day” is a clear indicator of a potential barrier. While the article doesn’t provide data, a potential measure would be to analyze voter turnout in areas highly dependent on public transit and compare it to previous elections or other areas of the city.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbc.ca