First Student bus drivers in Kenora ratify first contract

Congratulations to the workers at First Student Canada in Kenora, who ratified their first collective agreement on April 3, 2012. This bargaining unit, comprised of approximately 32 school bus drivers, benefits from general language establishing union representation, dues, seniority, and other relevant definitions and procedures, as well as a number of improvements.

The daily regular and wheelchair route rates increase by 2 per cent in each of the three years covered by the contract term. The rates paid for Training & Safety meetings will also increase at these intervals. Charter rates improve significantly to $17 per hour in the first year and $18 per hour in the final year of the contract.

Other language addresses discussions of pay equity, for which the company will cover any lost time for employees involved in that process, and both parties agree to form a Labour Management Committee, which will meet on a regular basis. The company will cover half the cost of printing collective agreements and half the cost of meeting rooms for negotiations, etc. In addition, the company will contribute $250 per year toward the Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Local 175 also represents over 200 First Student bus drivers in the Welland area.

Union Negotiating Committee: John Miclash and Union Rep Dean McLaren.