(Hamilton) School bus workers with Laidlaw Inc. in Hamilton voted in favour of strike action Thursday, September 14, after turning down a company final offer by 100%.
The drivers and mechanics at Laidlaws bus operations in Hamilton are members of CUPE Local 2151. The largely female, part-time, work force is bargaining for better job security and wages. They have been trying to negotiate a new contract since 1998.
The parties are scheduled to meet with Canada Labour Code Federal Mediator Sherri King on Sept. 21, 2000, to seek common ground. If the mediator is unsuccessful, the workers could then take job action.
CUPE National Representative Tom Baker says, “These workers are more than baby sitters. They are professional drivers and mechanics who take care of some pretty special cargo our kids.
They deserve a fair wage and a decent contract. Laidlaw is a huge, multi-billion-dollar corporation that can afford to do this.
The last time the parties met face to face was in June. Laidlaw has school board transit contracts across North America.
For information:
Tom Baker, CUPE National Rep.
(905) 575-5411 (o) (905) 630-1107 (h)
John McCracken,
CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-3999 (o)