Strike mandate for Autobus Fleur de Lys bus drivers in Shawinigan

30 or so Autobus Fleur de Lys bus drivers, Shawinigan Division, have given themselves a strike mandate. On Sunday, March 23, at a special general meeting of their union, CUPE 5564, they voted 94% in favour of pressure tactics up to and including an unlimited general strike.

Without a contract since October 31, 2024, the drivers feel that the employer is dragging out the talks. Four negotiation meetings have taken place since November 2024.

At the last such meeting, the union agreed to make compromises to improve service to citizens. However, the employer refused to show the same flexibility, sticking to unacceptable positions on occupational health and safety, labour standards and the precarious condition of the buses. According to the union, negotiations are also deadlocked on wages, leave and vacation, recognition of seniority, work organization and work equipment.

“We are seriously questioning the municipality of Shawinigan’s support for this negotiating method,” said Simon Bégin, CUPE 5564 president. “Autobus Fleur de Lys is not taking the process seriously, making only derisive and unacceptable offers. What value does it place on its workers, their occupational health and safety and the importance of providing a stable, safe service to Shawinigan residents?”

“Relations with this employer have been deplorable since 2019, when Fleur de Lys took over urban transportation,” Bégin added. “Our members on the road never get a break to eat or take a breather. They even have difficulty getting a bathroom break now. Who would accept that in 2025?”

Drivers have become considerably poorer from the inflation of recent years and from cuts when Fleur de Lys came into the picture, at which point, wages fell from $21.68 to $17.75 per hour. The current rate is $20.81 per hour. “It’s unacceptable,” said Bégin. “We’ve had enough of working for cut-rate wages and we can’t tolerate the situation any longer. It’s up to the employer and the city of Shawinigan to resume serious negotiations and keep clients from being affected by a labour dispute.”