Transco school bus strike: Quebec Labour Minister to meet employer and union
Posted February 22, 2024 2:21 pm.
Last Updated February 22, 2024 2:23 pm.
Quebec’s Labour Minister says he’s getting impatient with the school bus strike by operator Transco – affecting 15,000 children in Montreal.
The strike was called on October 31 by the union representing some 350 school bus drivers.
Jean Boulet says he’ll meet with Transco and the union, which is part of the CSN-affiliated Fédération des employé(e)s des services publics, on Friday, in an attempt to promote dialogue.
Some 15,000 children who attend schools run by the English Montreal and Lester B. Pearson School Boards, as well as the Marguerite-Bourgeoys and Montreal School Service Centres are affected.
At issue is salaries. The Quebec government has already granted additional financial assistance to the school bus companies to help them improve salaries, compensate for higher rents, increased insurance costs and the electrification of the bus fleet.
However, the two parties do not agree on what portion of this additional aid from Quebec should be paid to drivers.
Transco previously claimed the union is misrepresenting the situation while issuing public statements.
“The Union’s insinuations do nothing to contribute to a constructive negotiating climate.”
Earlier this month, Transco also claimed the union is refusing to accept arbitration from a third party.
The company had said it believed an arbitrator would have the ability to put an end to the strike.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
