Negotiations are taking place today, May 15, with First Student school bus ahead of a May 16 potential strike deadline in Durham Region, according to workers union, Unifor.
The bargaining committee plans on scheduled talks with the company on May 15, but if the two sides remain far apart, then the union will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. May 16.
A potential strike action will impact elementary and high school students in Whitby and Ajax in Durham Region.
The key issues surrounding this dispute include work-life balance and wages that reflect the responsibilities they bear. School bus drivers work a minimum of four hours a day, with split shifts, at an average wage of around $20 an hour.
Unifor Local 4268 represents 185 members, who drive school buses in Ajax and Whitby and those members voted 100% for strike action in March.
“We stand with our members as they ask the company to show them respect, recognize the responsibilities of the job and eliminate the wage gap between school districts,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Strike action is not something we take lightly, but a fair contract is the only way to end this. We will keep the public apprised of any action our members take.”
“This job requires carrying the most precious cargo – our kids,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery. “We will continue to fight for our members so they can make a living wage during these uncertain times.”
Unifor represents 20,000 members across the road transportation sector, with over 2,000 school bus drivers.
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