Machinists Ink first Agreement for Laidlaw School Bus Drivers
Tuesday November 14, 2006
For Immediate Release
Midland, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 26 employed by Laidlaw Transit Limited have ratified their first collective agreement.
The 117 members consist of seniors and single mothers who drive school bus routes in the communities of Midland, Penetanguishene and Elmvale, 150 kilometres north of Toronto. In addition to their school routes, the members are also required to drive bus charters throughout Canada.
The one year agreement provides a wage increase of 3 per cent on school bus routes and 4.4 per cent on charter routes as well as a 2.8 per cent increase in the special work rate.
“The goal was to achieve wage parity with Laidlaw drivers in Barrie who were making on average two dollars an hour more than our members for doing essentially the same job,” explained IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative Pat Murphy. “Not only did we achieve parity but we also won a guaranteed four hour minimum which makes it possible for our members to apply for Employment Insurance during the off season.”
The agreement also provides standard contract language, union recognition and the establishment of a grievance procedure.
The IAMAW, among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, represents more than 700,000 active and retired members and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing and defense related industries
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For further information:
Pat Murphy – IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative
416-225-9003/416-579-0773
Bill Trbovich – IAMAW Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext 31/416-735-9765
