Alouette bus drivers on strike demanding livable wage in Nipissing-Parry Sound

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentNIPISSING-PARRY SOUND, Ont., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — School bus drivers at Alouette Bus Lines, members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2020, are on strike after an overwhelming rejection of the employer’s offer and continued refusal to meet the region’s livable wage.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentIn two separate votes, drivers overwhelmingly rejected the company’s offer – making it clear that the proposal falls short of what workers need and deserve.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentDrivers in Nipissing-Parry Sound currently earn $18.11 per hour for the critical responsibility of safely transporting students to and from school. The union is seeking $21.10 per hour in the first year, followed by $1 increases in each of the next two years under a three-year agreement.Article contentArticle content“Our members have been loud and clear,” said Stephanie Gunson, President of USW Local 2020. “They are not asking for anything unreasonable. They are asking for $21.10 in the first year – the livable wage for this region – and modest increases thereafter. When the majority of our members rejects both offers, it sends a powerful message that $18.11 per hour is not sustainable.”Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentKevon Stewart, Director of USW District 6, emphasized that the dispute is about respect for workers and the value of labour.Article content“School bus drivers are essential workers. They show up every day to serve their communities, and they deserve compensation that reflects that responsibility. When workers stand together and speak with one voice, the labour movement stands with them. These members are united, and our union is united behind them,” said Stewart.Article contentThe union has reached out to the Ontario Minister of Education Paul Calandra as well as the Minister of Labour David Paccini to meet with the parties to assist in resolving this labour dispute. Unfortunately, we have not received any responses from either ministers.Article contentArticle contentUSW staff representative Mike Scott emphasized the impact on recruitment and service stability. “Underpaying drivers harms recruitment and retention and destabilizes school transportation across the region,” said Scott. “Drivers want to be on the road serving students and families. The fastest way to get there is a fair deal that recognizes their value.”Article contentThe union is calling on the Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Service Consortium and Alouette Bus Lines to:Article contentPay a livable wage of $21.10 per hour in the first year of the agreement.Respect and value the essential work drivers perform.Strengthen student safety and service reliability by investing in the workers who provide it.Article contentUSW Local 2020 remains ready to return to the bargaining table at any time to secure a fair and responsible resolution.Article contentAbout the United Steelworkers unionThe USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.Article contentEach year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.Article contentFor more information:Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792, kstewart@usw.caMike Scott, USW Staff Representative, 705-675-2461, mscott@usw.caStephanie Gunson, USW Local 2020 President, 705-479-2020 ext. 228, sgunson@uswlocal2020.caArushana Sunderaeson, USW Communications, 416-243-8792 ext. 1233, asunderaeson@usw.caArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentTrending Australia ships LNG 25,000 kilometres to Eastern Canada amid Asian slump Oil & Gas Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Posthaste: Canadians' retirement savings goal of $1.7 million increasingly unattainable, BMO survey finds News RBC tops earnings estimates on strong retail and wealth management profits Banking B.C. widow worried about retirement income with OAS clawbacks Family Finance Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Australia ships LNG 25,000 kilometres to Eastern Canada amid Asian slump Oil & Gas Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Posthaste: Canadians' retirement savings goal of $1.7 million increasingly unattainable, BMO survey finds News RBC tops earnings estimates on strong retail and wealth management profits Banking B.C. widow worried about retirement income with OAS clawbacks Family Finance