01 Jul 2023 | 08:24 PM UTC
Canada: Public transport bus drivers in Quebec City launch 15-day strike starting July 1
Public transport bus drivers in Quebec City, Canada, launch strike through July 16. Transport delays, increased traffic congestion likely.
Event
Bus drivers represented by the Public Transport Employees Union of Metropolitan Quebec launched a city-wide labor strike on July 1. Striking drivers plan to remain off the job until July 16, unless management at the Capital Transport Network (RTC, Reseau de transport de la Capitale) and union leaders are able to arrive at an agreement in their dispute over a collective bargaining agreement before that date. No minimum level of bus service will be guaranteed during the work stoppage; the reservation-based STAC, as well as the app-based Flexibus and aVelo services, will operate normally.
Unless an agreement is reached early, the labor action could cause significant public transport disruptions across the Quebec City metropolitan area; impact will probably be greatest between July 6-16 when the city hosts the Quebec Summer Festival, Canada's largest outdoor music event. Increased traffic congestion is likely as commuters who would normally ride public transportation resort to using their own vehicles.
Advice
Make alternative transportation arrangements in Quebec City for the duration of the labor strike. Allow extra time to reach destinations in the metropolitan area. Monitor local sources for updates on the status of the work stoppage.
