Nipissing-Parry Sound school bus drivers end 2-month strike

Striking Alouette bus drivers in the Nipissing area return to work Monday after ratifying a 3-year deal worth $21.35/hr by year three.

School bus drivers with Alouette Bus Lines are heading back to work Monday after union members voted 85 per cent in favour of a new collective agreement, ending a strike that lasted more than two months and affected nearly 2,000 students in the Nipissing-Parry Sound region.

Members of United Steelworkers Local 2020 accepted a three-year deal on Friday, bringing the labour disruption to an end. Regular school bus services are expected to resume April 27.

Wage increases, retroactive pay included in new contract

The agreement includes wage increases over three years. Drivers will receive $20.65 per hour as of the signing date, with retroactive pay calculated at $20 per hour. Starting September 2026, wages will rise to $21.10 per hour, followed by an increase to $21.35 per hour in the third year.

Stephanie Gunson, president of USW Local 2020, told CTV News that she is happy with the $21.10 figure, which the union had been pushing for.

“This result reflects their commitment to improving not just their own working conditions, but the future of school bus drivers across the province,” Gunson said in a news release.

The deal also includes a signing bonus for all bargaining unit members employed at the time of signing.

Union calls for provincial wage benchmark

While the agreement marks an end to the strike, union leaders say broader work remains on industry standards.

Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 director, said the drivers gained real progress on wages but highlighted the need for a $24-per-hour industry benchmark.

“More work remains, but they gained real progress on wages and highlighted the urgent need for a $24-per-hour industry benchmark,” said Stewart.

Gunson said the union will continue pushing for the provincial government to take action on a mandated minimum wage of $24 per hour for all school bus drivers.

Five routes lost to another company

Gunson confirmed the union was notified last week that five routes have gone to another company, meaning some members have lost their jobs. She also noted the dedication and hard work of members on the picket line over the two-month strike and expressed gratitude for the support shown by the community and parents.

Mike Scott, a USW staff representative, said the agreement shows what solidarity can achieve.

“We improved wages and exposed system flaws needing real, enforceable standards,” he said in a news release.

Company says full service to resume Monday

Alouette Bus Lines senior vice-president Kevin Gillis said the company recognizes the strike caused hardship and disruption to students and parents.

“We look forward to resuming regular school bus service so that our students and families can finish this school year without further bussing issues,” Gillis said.

The company also thanked passengers and community partners for their patience during the labour disruption.

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