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Unifor members of First Student Bus in Kingston, Ont. have a new three-year deal to celebrate.
“This contract continues to build momentum for our First Student Bus members, beginning with the gains in the recent Cornwall agreement to this one,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“We are proud that these drivers are among the highest paid in the region, but on top of that, are seeing other significant gains – include language around a Women’s Advocate position, which can boost women working in the bussing industry.”
The 46 members of First Student Kingston at Local 4266 work mostly as bus drivers with one monitor. The deal includes a 15% wage increase over the life of the contract and addresses “key-to-key” achieved pay for travel time.
The agreement, which was ratified by members at 88%, expires June 30, 2027.
“Key-to-key has been on every bargaining table, and we finally have achieved it,” said Unifor Local 4266 President André Desjardins.
“We maintained the guarantee of 4.5-hour minimum pay and our members are very relieved, because some members were waiting 15-20 mins. before picking up their first student and then after the last drop-off. That deadhead time really adds up over time and results in lost wages.”
This contact also includes language around a Racial Justice Advocate, recognition of The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, and paid domestic violence leave and discipline protection.
Unifor represents 20,000 members across the road transportation sector, with over 2,000 school bus drivers.
