CAW Hopeful New Deal Can be Reached for Toronto School Bus Drivers

Union Continues to Raise Concerns about Worsening Conditions

TORONTO, April 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Around the clock negotiations are continuing tonight between the Stock Transportation and the CAW as a 11:59 p.m. deadline looms.

CAW Local 4268 represents 600 school bus drivers in Toronto North and Toronto East, who drive buses for the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto French School Board, Toronto District Catholic School Board.

"We want to reassure parents that we understand the possible impact on Toronto families and are working hard to try to avoid a labour dispute," said CAW Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery. "We're hopeful that our drivers will be on the job come tomorrow morning.  We'll have to see a bit more movement from Stock Transportation before we can arrive at a new deal though."

The drivers voted 93 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary, in order to reach a fair and equitable settlement. Negotiations have been ongoing since March.

Montgomery said that even if the CAW is successful in reaching an agreement with Stock before the deadline, the union will continue pressing for changes to the provincially-mandated Request for Proposal system, which is having the consequence of pushing down wages and working conditions for school bus drivers across Ontario.

"The government must seriously re-examine the entire RFP process," said Montgomery. "Clearly there is something wrong when school bus drivers have to push this hard for even a small increase in pay. They serve our community. They have a great deal of responsibility, have our children under their care, and do everything they can to get them to school safely. They deserve a reasonable wage."

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

CAW Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery (cell) 416-220-6549, CAW National Representative Shane Wark (cell) 
416-300-8048 or CAW Communications Director Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699