TORONTO, April 25, 2013 /CNW/ - The CAW is raising concerns about worsening conditions for Toronto elementary and secondary school bus drivers as school bus provider Stock Transportation seeks to push down wages and other working conditions.
"There is clear disconnect between the level of responsibility and the wages and working conditions of school bus drivers," said CAW Local 4268 Debbie Montgomery. "Employers like Stock Transportation take pride in the company's safety reputation, but at the same time are pushing to make the driver's job more difficult and more undesirable."
"As a parent, I would be very concerned about the company's behaviour and why they care so little about attracting and keeping quality drivers to transport Toronto children," said Montgomery.
Negotiations between Stock Transportation have been ongoing for the last month, with no progress being made despite a looming deadline of April 30.
CAW Local 4268 represents 600 school bus drivers in two areas 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.
The drivers in two locations - Toronto east and Toronto north - have voted 93 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary, in order to reach a fair and equitable settlement.
"None of our drivers want to go out on strike, but many have years of experience and don't want to see their wages further dropped and hours cut. It's not a lot to ask. Drivers should be compensated fairly for the important work they do," said Montgomery.
The Ontario government introduced new rules over the last few years which would expand the transportation contract bidding process through a competitive RFP (request for proposal). The result has been driving down wages and ending consistency in driver routes. The CAW is calling for an overhaul to the RFP process to create greater stability in the industry.
Montgomery said that the RFP further caps how much work any one provider can perform for the school boards/consortia, which has contributed towards greater precariousness for drivers.
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
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