ONTARIO

Tri-Board workers poised to strike on April 3


Tri-Board workers poised to strike on April 3 MARCH 20, 2023 
INQUINTE.CA STAFF

The union representing a group of school bus route planners says they are prepared to walk off the job if their proposal for a wage increase isn't met.

CUPE Local 1479 says the seven employees who work for Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, are poised to take legal strike action on Monday, April 3.

“Right now, Tri-Board workers are the lowest-paid of similar transportation planners across the province, earning 19% below the average,” said Liz James, CUPE Local 1479 President.

Tri-Board transportation planners design over 620 school bus routes in the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Prince Edward, and Hastings counties of eastern Ontario, James said.

“Our transportation planners organize safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to and from school for more than 30,000 students, over 600 vehicles, covering a geographical area of over 16,000 square kilometres,” explained James. “Their work is valuable and yet they are being paid 19% less than the going rate for it.”

The Tri-Board managers filed for conciliation after only two days of bargaining last July. Three days of negotiations, with a conciliation officer appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour acting as an intermediary, took place in January and February 2023. A fourth conciliation meeting between the two parties on March 17 did not result in an agreement, James said.