School bus strike could start on Thursday, TDSB warns
Posted April 29, 2019 5:03 pm.
Last Updated April 29, 2019 5:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and Toronto District School Board (TDSB) are warning that a school bus strike could begin on Thursday if a deal can’t be reached between Stock Transportation and two of its unionized school bus divisions (North and East Divisions).
The divisions, which voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike mandates, would be in a legal strike position as of Thursday, May 2, 2019.
“As this point in time, a strike is not guaranteed, however it is possible should an agreement not be reached by this date. In the meantime, negotiations are continuing between Stock Transportation and its unions,” the TDSB said in a release.
A strike would impact around 4235 TCDSB students and 4105 in the TDSB, with the majority of affected schools east of Yonge Street.
“In the event of a strike, families are encouraged to make alternative arrangements for their child(ren) to get safely to and from school, and to report any absences in the usual manner,” the TDSB added.
The drivers, represented by Unifor Local 4268, are seeking better work conditions and pay.
“Drivers are expected to fulfill various unpaid tasks before, between and even after their routes. This practice has become so widespread that driving a school bus is now partially volunteer work – instead of regular paid employment,” said Unifor Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery.
“I don’t think this is a reasonable way to treat the people with whom we entrust our children. We endeavor to have each school bus driver paid for their working time.”
