Strike averted for West Quebec bus drivers
Posted Nov 5, 2012 07:00:34 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A strike has been averted between three out of four bus companies with the Western Quebec School Board and their union. Teamsters Canada, the union representing the drivers announced an agreement was reached Sunday night, just hours before drivers were set to walk off the job.
The three bus companies which threatened job action include Autobus Lasalle, Transport Bigras, and Autobus des Collines. The fourth, Autobus J.J. Campeau was not included in the negotiations.
Teamsters Canada said an agreement was reached Sunday night with Transport Bigras, but not with Autobus Lasalle. Negotiations will continue at a later date between Teamsters Canada and Autobus des Collines.
It is unknown what the new agreement includes but drivers were asking for wage increases and guaranteed minimum work hours.
The details of the agreement will be made public once workers accept the offer.
Teamsters Local Union 106 which represents employees of Bigras Transport and Autobus Lasalle said drivers earn between $13,000 and $16,000 a year, which is not enough to make ends meet.
Split schedules to drive students to and from school make it difficult for drivers to find a second job to supplement their income.
Negotiations took place this weekend to satisfy 400 drivers who overwhelmingly expressed interest to strike on October 14, 2012.
