On May 22 and 23, 2025, a strike by maintenance workers at the Réseau De Transport De La Capitale caused major disruptions to the bus services in Québec. For two full days, no buses were running. This made things very difficult for many people, particularly those who use public transit every day to go to work or go to school. Many students were affected and had to find alternative ways to get to school.
The strike happened after a long pause in official negotiations between the union and the company. The maintenance workers have been working on a contract since September 27 2024. They met several times with the employer, but couldn’t reach an agreement that everyone agreed on. The workers felt that their needs were not being heard, so they decided to go on strike.
The situation made it harder for many people to use public transport, especially those who really need buses to get around every day. Students who depend on the bus system were forced to adjust their routines.
The strike was announced on May 9, giving the RTC some time to prepare. The company told customers through its website that there would be cancellations. The RTC Nomade application allowed people to check the status of the buses in real time, but during the strike, no buses were available at all.
Even though the strike lasted only two days, it caused a lot of trouble. People who didn’t have cars or other ways to get around had to walk or take taxis. Taxis are much more expensive than buses, which makes the situation even harder, mostly for those who depend on the bus system every day.
Many people shared their opinions online. Some supported the workers, saying they deserve better working conditions and equitable remuneration. Others were upset because their daily routines were affected, and they had trouble getting where they needed to go. Some students and parents also expressed frustration, saying the strike disrupted access to education.
The buses started running again after two days, but the main problem between the union and the RTC has not been solved yet. If no agreement is made soon, more strikes could happen in the future.
