Montreal Transit Strike Disrupts Service on Election Day

Metro and bus services in Montreal will face significant disruptions throughout November due to a transit strike, with municipal election day on November 5, 2025, particularly affected. Approximately 2,400 maintenance workers initiated the strike on October 31, which is expected to last until the end of the month. Recent decisions by the Quebec Labour Tribunal have clarified the extent of these disruptions.

Limited Transit Availability During the Strike

In a ruling issued on October 30, the tribunal determined that metro and bus services will only operate during rush hours throughout the strike period. This decision marks a notable change from the previous transit workers’ strike in September and October, when services were available at regular hours on specific days.

The transit agency had sought to extend service on election day to facilitate voter access, with polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. However, the tribunal opted against this request, emphasizing that their mandate focuses on public health and safety rather than balancing the right to strike with the public’s right to vote.

Administrative judge François Beaubien stated the tribunal’s role is not to prioritize one right over another but to ensure that the strike does not endanger the population’s health and safety. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some expressing concern about the impact on voter turnout during the crucial municipal elections.

Implications for Voters and the City

As the strike unfolds, residents are encouraged to plan their travel to polling stations accordingly. The limited service may pose challenges for many voters, particularly those relying on public transit for transportation. City officials are urging those who can to consider alternative methods of reaching the polls, whether by carpooling, cycling, or walking.

With the municipal election approaching, the situation underscores the complexities of labor disputes and their far-reaching effects on civic engagement. The outcome of the elections, influenced by these transit challenges, may have lasting consequences for Montreal’s governance and public services.

This situation remains dynamic, and updates will continue to be provided as the strike progresses and further decisions are made by the labour tribunal and the transit agency.