With winter fast approaching, the ASPMQ recognizes that mechanical workshops will be faced with increased demand without being able to operate at full capacity during the winter tire installation period. For this reason, the association formally requested that the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) exceptionally extend the winter tire installation deadline to December 15, 2020.
In order to support its position and ensure that this request accurately reflects the reality of mechanical workshops during the pandemic, the ASPMQ invited workshops to complete a short survey. Many of you responded to the ASPMQ’s call, and the results clearly highlight the challenges currently faced by mechanical workshops.
Workshop operations are significantly slowed by compliance with public health measures and reduced staffing levels. According to the ASPMQ survey, an average of six employees are normally assigned to winter tire installation. This fall, only four employees can be dedicated to this task. This situation is further compounded by an existing labor shortage that has affected the mechanical sector for several years. According to data from Indeed, an online job search platform, job postings targeting automotive mechanics graduates increased by 117% in Québec in 2019.
This shortage of personnel is compounded by longer intervals between appointments. Prior to COVID-19, most mechanical workshops typically scheduled 15 to 30 minutes between appointments. Now, in order to ensure the safety of both customers and employees, most workshops must allow 30 to 60 minutes between appointments.
All of these factors reduce the number of customers that can be served during the winter tire installation period. In addition, mechanical workshops anticipate an increase in potential customers this year. Many “snowbirds,” who would normally travel to warmer destinations, will remain in Québec this year and will therefore need to prepare their vehicles for winter driving. Due to higher population density, Montréal and other major urban centers are considered most at risk of significant congestion.
Furthermore, a large portion of the population is currently working remotely. With reduced vehicle usage, the urgency to install winter tires is less immediate for many drivers. Mechanical workshops fear they will be unable to meet demand. According to the survey, 63% of workshops reported having to turn customers away, and 67% stated that they are not operating at full capacity.
The ASPMQ is concerned about potential congestion and wishes to support mechanical workshops during this high-demand period. An exceptional extension of the installation deadline would help ease pressure on mechanics while ensuring public safety.