First Student Bus Drivers in Owen Sound and Kincardine Could Strike Nov. 10
Bus drivers in Owen Sound and Kincardine vote overwhelmingly for strike mandate; union cites unpaid time and low wages.
School bus drivers in Owen Sound and Kincardine could be off the job as of Monday, November 10, if contract talks between their union and employer do not reach a resolution.
Unifor, which represents drivers at First Student Canada, issued the strike warning for three units, including Owen Sound and Kincardine. The union says the dispute is centred on wages and unpaid work time.
In Owen Sound, 105 drivers are part of the bargaining unit that voted 92 percent in favour of a strike mandate on September 24. They operate routes for the Bluewater District School Board.
In Kincardine, 42 drivers and two apprentices voted unanimously in favour of strike action. This unit operates 34 routes serving both the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. According to the union, drivers in the Kincardine unit transport around 2,260 students in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Tiverton, Tara, and nearby rural areas.
“These are part-time workers trying to earn a living wage,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a statement. “Unpaid work time is a major issue. Our members want to be treated fairly.”
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi added that the job is critical for families and communities. “School bus drivers just want respect and fair treatment because their job is to ensure our most precious cargo—our kids—arrive safely to and from school,” she said.
Unifor Local 4268 is leading negotiations. The union says it remains available to reach a deal ahead of the Nov. 10 strike deadline.