First Student says it’s ready and able to meet with Unifor Local 195 but said the union has not shown interest in negotiating a resolution. In a statement to AM800 News, the bus company said “we see no viable path forward.” Talks between the two sides broke off last month and have not restarted. The union has said the company left the bargaining table and has made a very serious threat of a potential lockout. The company’s statement says, “we remain committed to our employees and to fair compensation.” The statement goes on to say, “drivers at our Windsor location have been offered among the highest pay in the region, reflecting our dedication to recognizing and rewarding their work.” It says Unifor-represented drivers at our Chatham location ratified the same offer with 83 per cent support, and our Sarnia location followed with 70 per cent approval, reinforcing that the proposal is both competitive and acceptable to our workforce. The company says Chatham, Sarnia, and Windsor have the same hourly rate, and Unifor has provided no explanation why the offer was sufficient for Chatham and Sarnia school bus drivers but not Windsor drivers. Unifor Local 195 President Emile Nabbout is disputing the company’s statement and said it’s ‘not totally accurate’. He said it’s not fair to compare the workers in Windsor, Chatham, and Sarnia. “Yes, the money is the same between Chatham, Windsor, and Sarnia but the challenge we have in Windsor is much higher from cost of living, expenses, real estate, homes, and rent than what it is in Chatham,” he said. “We don’t have master bargaining, and our members expect a much higher rate of pay.” Nabbout said wages remain a key issue in contract talks. “The company doesn’t pay the drivers any benefits,” said Nabbout. “They don’t pay the drivers any pension. The only thing they pay is wages, $20.55 is not sufficient and the company is not willing to set up to the plate and reward our members what they deserve.” He said the company’s threat is careless and will leave students and families stranded. Nabbout said the union recently sent the company an email, telling them to return to the bargaining table. “I think in the last few days, we had some communication going with the company and we have told the company we are willing to resume negotiations however we are available on Sept. 15 to resume negotiation talks,” said Nabbout. Nabbout said the company is threatening to lock out drivers on Sept. 12. He said the union is available to resume contract talks on Sept. 15. Local 195 represents 180 First Student bus drivers in Windsor-Essex. In August, they voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action if needed to back contract demands. The company’s statement finishes off by saying, “we deeply regret that this situation has reached this point.” - Written by Rob Hindi/AM800 News.
