Toronto School bus drivers provide strong strike mandate

TORONTO, April 27, 2022 /CNW/ - School bus drivers at Stock Transportation in Toronto have voted to provide a strong mandate in support of strike action if the company fails to reach a tentative agreement by the negotiation deadline of 12:01 a.m. May 6, 2022.

"These frontline workers are simply asking for a fair wage, guaranteed minimum hours and safety on the job," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi.

Parked school buses with Unifor flags in front (CNW Group/Unifor)

Unifor Local 4268 represents approximately 500 school bus drivers who predominantly provide transportation services for special needs students at the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board as well as transportation for public and Catholic French boards, private schools and other customers. Some or all of the customers may see service interruptions if the parties fail to come to a tentative agreement by Friday May 6, 2022.

"This is an industry that continues to struggle with recruitment and retention, yet companies still refuse to improve working conditions to keep trained drivers on the road," said Unifor Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery. "School bus drivers bear tremendous responsibility for as many as 70 children on board at a time but consistently earn significantly less than their public transit counterparts. These workers deserve to receive the respect that they are due."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For media inquiries or to arrange a Skype, Zoom or Facetime interview, please contact; Unifor Communications, Representative Kathleen O'Keefe, at [email protected] or 416-896-3303 (cell).