Bus drivers serving the Kincardine and Port Elgin area have voted unanimously to support strike action if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a new collective agreement.
Collective bargaining between First Student and school bus industry members of Unifor Local 4268 began in April, after the current CBA expired on March 31. No strike deadline is currently in place. Discussions between the parties are continuing this afternoon.
Unifor represents 45 drivers, two mechanic apprentices and one bus monitor in the Kincardine/Port Elgin area. According to the union, the local bargaining unit voted 100% in favour of strike action if a new agreement is not reached.
“There is a reason that recruitment and retention of school bus drivers continues to be a problem year after year,” said Debbie Montgomery, President of Unifor Local 4268 in a release. “First Student need to recognize the skill and dedication of their drivers.”
The drivers service the Bluewater and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, as well as an employee shuttle service for Bruce Power.
