On strike since April 24 in Longueuil and since May 1 in Bedford, 50 school bus drivers affiliated with Teamsters Local 106 ratified a new collective agreement this morning.
Laval, QC, June 16, 2023—This morning, in two separate union meetings, the employees of Autobus Longueuil on the South Shore (30 employees) and Autobus Yamaska ABC in Bedford (20 employees), both affiliated with Teamsters Local 106, accepted the latest employer offers by 85% and 78% respectively. Both transportation companies are subsidiaries of the giant Sogesco.
The ratified collective agreements bring about significant improvements in working conditions and a substantial wage increase for these workers who have been on strike for several weeks, raising their hourly wage to over $26.
François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, acknowledges the importance of these new work contracts: “This is a remarkable victory that highlights the power of worker mobilization and determination. It’s been a long, hard struggle, but when we stand together and fight for what is right, we can effect significant and lasting change.”
Sylvie Duval, a union representative at Local 106 of the Teamsters Union, who led the negotiations, emphasizes that this victory will have repercussions throughout Quebec: “This agreement is crucial not only for our members in Longueuil and Bedford, but also for all transportation sector workers in Quebec who continue to fight to improve their working conditions. We hope this victory will inspire other workers to persevere in their own struggles.”
With over 125,000 members, Teamsters Canada is the country’s largest transportation and supply chain union. The organization represents workers at CP, CN, UPS, Purolator, countless trucking companies, and more. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents over 1.2 million workers in North America.
-30-
Marc-André Gauthier
Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada
Cell: 514-206-0492 | [email protected]
