CUPE welcomes approximately 80 new members into the union following a favourable decision from the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (LRB).
The members who form CUPE 5604 are Southland Transportation bus drivers working in 16 communities across the Horizon School Division.
CUPE filed an application to the LRB in May 2025 to certify the workers. The employer objected to the application, leading to a lengthy process that included written submissions from both CUPE and the employer.
Following the favourable decision from the LRB, a representation vote confirmed majority support for CUPE. Although the employer filed an objection to the vote, that objection was later withdrawn, clearing the way for certification to proceed.
“This is a huge win for these new CUPE members at Southland Transportation and a huge win for CUPE in general,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “It confirms that workers have the right to organize by location or community, rather than being forced into a single, employer‑wide bargaining unit.”
Peterson noted that the decision reinforces the right of workers to choose representation that reflects their specific working conditions.
“These workers now have a voice in their workplace and the ability to collectively negotiate improvements to their working conditions,” he said.