School bus strike rumours completely false

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Negotiations continue between First Student Canada and Unifor Local 4268, which represents school bus drivers at three locations, driving in the Bowmanville, Kincardine, Port Elgin, Wiarton and Owen Sound regions.

"Contrary to information published this morning, there is absolutely no potential for a strike to occur on February 12. No notice of a deadline has been communicated to the employer First Student," said Debbie Montgomery, President of Unifor Local 4268. "Unifor is focused on negotiating a fair contract and we are committed to that."

At the three locations the union represents 330 school bus drivers which have been in a legal strike position since December 10, 2017. Strike votes authorizing job action have been held but the union has not issued any notice. After the December deadline the union and the company have held several bargaining discussions and the union expects talks to continue.

"In December we ratified a collective agreement with First Student drivers in the Durham Region and it's our goal to build on that success to achieve wage increases and the elimination of unpaid driving hours in these additional regions," she added.

The union says it is committed to the bargaining process to reach a deal, but if that is not possible the union will communicate any deadline to students, parents, and the public in well advance. Further updates on the status of negotiations will be provided as warranted.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 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