First Student Bus drivers in Bowmanville have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new three-year contract that includes significant wage improvements and enhanced workplace protections.
The 152 school bus drivers, represented by Unifor Local 4268, ratified the agreement with 87 per cent voting in favour. The deal delivers a 13 per cent wage increase over the contract term and establishes a new Racial Justice Advocate position.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for helping our members address the key important issues, including making a living wage,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The contract strengthens job security through improved layoff language for drivers lacking specific route licensing requirements. Under the new terms, the company must provide necessary training at no cost to employees who need additional qualifications.
Union representation also improves with the Unit Chairperson now receiving six paid hours monthly for union business. The agreement increases Paid Education Leave to $600 annually and maintains the $250 yearly Health Care Spending account, which can be carried over once during the three-year term.
“Our members are pleased with this new deal,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery. “It will provide some stability for them in the next few years, given the uncertain times.”
The Bowmanville drivers join numerous other First Student Bus operations represented by Unifor across Ontario, including locations in Whitby, Ajax, Kingston, Owen Sound, Sarnia, Chatham, Kincardine/Port Elgin, Prescott and Cornwall.
Unifor represents approximately 2,000 school bus drivers among its 20,000 members in the road transportation sector. The union is Canada’s largest in the private sector with 320,000 workers across major economic sectors.
