Parents in Windsor-Essex could be forced to drive their children to school later this month if a deal is not reached between Unifor and First Student Canada.
School bus drivers could go on strike or be locked out as of September 15.
Unifor stated the company threatened to lock out its employees after the union did not accept its latest offer on August 8.
“This is bordering on bad faith bargaining,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “When a company threatens to lock out our members because they won’t accept a less-than deal and then tries to spin it as if talks broke down, we will not be intimidated. First Student seems to have no problem students, parents and schools at risk of major service disruptions because they won’t negotiate a fair contract.”
As a result, 98 per cent of the 140 bus drivers represented by Unifor Local 195 voted for a strike mandate.
“The last thing our members want is a strike or lockout, especially in the stressful first weeks of students returning to school, but we are prepared to do so,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “We have asked the employer repeatedly to address the underpaying of bus drivers, who are trained and responsible for carrying the most precious cargo, to and from schools, and our members remain dedicated in serving our communities.”
First Student Canada said the same offer has already been accepted by drivers in Sarnia and Chatham.
"We have remained ready and able to meet with representatives from Unifor Local 195, but the union has not shown interest in negotiating a resolution. We see no viable path forward," said Brenna Rudisill, Manager of Strategic Communications. "We remain committed to our employees and to fair compensation. Drivers at our Windsor location have been offered among the highest pay in the region, reflecting our dedication to recognizing and rewarding their work. Unifor-represented drivers at our Chatham location ratified the same offer with 83 per cent support, and our Sarnia location followed with 70 per cent approval, reinforcing that the proposal is both competitive and acceptable to our workforce. Chatham, Sarnia, and Windsor have the same hourly rate, and Unifor has provided no explanation why our offer was sufficient for Chatham and Sarnia school bus drivers but not Windsor drivers."
The union stated that it is ready to return to the table to reach a deal before the deadline.
The bus drivers in this unit drive for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, the Greater Essex County District School Board, and Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence.