Unifor says school bus drivers in Owen Sound and Kincardine could go on strike as early as this Monday if no deal is reached with First Student Canada.
"Our First Student bus members are part-timers who are trying to make a living wage," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "The key issues in this dispute are wages and unpaid work time."
Unifor Local 4268 represents 105 drivers in Owen Sound and 42 drivers and two apprentices in Kincardine. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 92 percent in Owen Sound and 100 percent in Kincardine voting yes to backing their contract demands with the threat of a walkout.
First Student Kincardine services 34 routes in the Bluewater District School Board and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, transporting more than 2,200 students across Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Tiverton, Tara, and surrounding rural areas. First Student Owen Sound also operates within the Bluewater District School Board.
"School bus drivers just want respect and fair treatment because their job is to ensure our most precious cargo, our kids, arrive safely to and from school," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. "Unifor continues to be ready and available to reach a fair collective agreement."
In a statement to CKNXNewsToday.ca, First Student said it has been "negotiating in good faith with union leadership to reach a fair and responsible agreement," adding that its goal is to ensure drivers receive "competitive compensation and benefits while maintaining safe, reliable transportation for students."
The company said it remains optimistic an agreement can be reached without service disruption, but expressed disappointment that Unifor is considering strike action, saying it would "impact the learning development of students and disrupt the lives of parents."
First Student said it is committed to continuing discussions and will provide updates to school officials and families as talks continue.
