Unifor members at First Student Canada in Windsor approved a new three-year collective agreement that includes a 13% wage increase over the contract’s duration.
The 140 bus drivers represented by Unifor Local 195 ratified the deal on Sept. 13, according to the union. The contract runs until Aug. 31, 2028.
The agreement provides an 8% wage increase in the first year, 2% in the second year and 3% in the third year, according to Unifor. The deal also establishes a defined contribution pension plan for skilled trades workers and increases premium pay for special education and wheelchair drivers.
Driver trainers will receive premium pay under the new contract, the union said.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their tenaciousness when it came to getting a fair collective agreement for our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The Windsor drivers work for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, Greater Essex County District School Board, and Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence, according to Unifor. First Student Bus in Windsor transports about 7,000 students to school each day, the union said.
“This contract is not only for our members, but benefits the community,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “Having bus drivers be compensated and recognized for their hard work and professionalism shows respect for our members, as they continue to show up dedicated for students.”
Unifor represents 20,000 members across the road transportation sector, with over 2,000 school bus drivers, according to the union. Unifor represents 320,000 workers in the private sector across Canada.
