STO suspends bus service amid ongoing labour dispute

Tashi Farmilo

Gatineau transit users woke on October 20 to confirmation that Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) bus service has been completely suspended due to a labour dispute involving key supervisory and maintenance personnel.

The union representing these workers, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1557, issued a strike notice last week. Negotiations have stalled over wages and working conditions for the group, which includes road inspectors, dispatchers and mechanical foremen responsible for the day-to-day operation of the network. These staff coordinate service, respond to incidents and ensure buses run safely and on time.

Olivier Lachance, president of ATU Local 1557, said members have been working without a contract since 2023 and voted unanimously to reject the employer’s final offer earlier this fall.

“We presented it to the members, and they rejected it by 100 per cent,” Lachance said. “We are paid 20 per cent less than OC Transpo and 25 per cent less than most other transit systems in Quebec.”

The dispute centres on wages. According to Lachance, his members perform equivalent work to supervisors at OC Transpo and other agencies but are not compensated comparably. “The gap just keeps getting wider,” he said. “Right now, some mechanics earn more than we do. And on weekends, with premiums, it is even more.”

While the union and employer have resolved non-monetary issues at the bargaining table, salary and equity remain outstanding. Lachance added that benefits and pension contributions are also concerns. He said the STO has not contributed to the union’s pension plan for two years and that insurance coverage for members remains minimal. Sick leave is another point of tension, with Lachance saying that many members work 12-hour shifts and are not adequately covered by the current system.

The STO confirmed early Monday morning that all regular bus service has been suspended. Only paratransit and on-demand services will continue. The agency said it cannot ensure safe, reliable service without the participation of its frontline supervisors and is urging riders to make alternate arrangements.

In a statement, the STO said it had proposed arbitration to resolve the dispute and was still awaiting a response from the union. Without a positive reply, and with the strike notice in place, the agency said it had no choice but to suspend operations. It also said it is evaluating alternative service scenarios in the coming weeks.

At press time, no agreement had been reached, and the possibility of a strike remains in effect. The STO is advising customers to follow updates online and plan for other travel options.