School bus drivers at First Student Canada locations in Owen Sound and Kincardine have ratified new three-year collective agreements that deliver 13 per cent wage increases and address compensation gaps.
The 105 members in Owen Sound voted 85 per cent in favour of their contract on Nov. 6, while 42 members and two apprentices in Kincardine approved their agreement by 80 per cent the same night. Both contracts expire March 31, 2028.
Agreements include health and equipment improvements
Beyond wage increases spread over three years, the contracts include increases to health spending accounts, tool allowances and work boot compensation.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for standing up for our First Student Bus members–fighting for a decent wage and the ability to verify the amount of time they’re driving on the road,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president.
The agreements cover part-time workers who face unique financial pressures, according to the union.
“This contract will help alleviate some pressure for our First Student bus drivers, who are part-time workers,” said Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario regional director. “We believe in the ability to challenge equal pay for equal time worked, no less.”
Georgetown unit faces strike deadline
A third First Student unit in Georgetown was scheduled to vote on their tentative agreement Nov. 10. The 110 members, who voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action in June, could walk off the job the same day if they reject the deal.
The Georgetown unit is negotiating its first contract. Members service the Halton Catholic District School Board, Halton District School Board and routes for Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir and Conseil Scolaire Viamonde. The routes primarily cover Georgetown, Milton and Acton, affecting roughly 6,000 students.
Unifor Local 4268 represents all three First Student units. The union represents more than 2,000 school bus drivers and 20,000 members across the road transportation sector.
