Unifor confirms First Student Canada school bus drivers in Windsor face a Monday morning lockout.
This follows the bus drivers' vote of 98 per cent in favour of a strike mandate last month.
Unifor Local 195 represents 140 First Student Canada drivers in Windsor who drive school buses for the Greater Essex County District School Board, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, and Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence.
A letter from the company to the union indicated that, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 15, benefits for those drivers will also be suspended.
"Our members will not accept an offer that underpays and undermines them," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
She also said the members will not be intimidated by bullying tactics.
The last time the two sides met in early August, the union stated that First Student Canada informed the bargaining committee it would lock drivers out if they didn't accept its last offer.
"Unifor continues to be ready and available to reach a fair collective agreement, but let's be clear. It was First Student who made threats of a lockout, not us," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. "They seem to think it's perfectly reasonable to put schools and communities in a hostage position."
At 5 p.m. Monday, First Student Canada issued this statement to WindsorNewsToday.ca.
“First Student and Unifor have reengaged in communication, and we continue to work toward a resolution. Our focus remains on constructive dialogue with the union to reach an agreement that supports our employees and ensures reliable transportation for students and families,” said Chris Bokelman Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications, in an emailed statement.