FIRST STUDENT CANADA MEMBERS OF TEAMSTERS LOCAL 987 RATIFY HISTORIC FIRST AGREEMENT. The 417 bus drivers, dispatchers and mechanics of the First Student group based in Edmonton, Alberta, voted to accept their first collective agreement. The bargaining unit covers the 7 yards of Greater Edmonton, including the North, South, and West yards in the City, as well as the outlying areas of St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Morinville and Vegreville.

The campaign was launched in September of 2007, facing the usual roadblocks and challenges from an employer intent on keeping this large unit non-union.

The foremost issues included safety, wages and dignity and respect in the workplace. The collective agreement contains provisions for guaranteed pay for AM, PM, and any additional routes, as well as pay for extra work such as bus washing, interior cleaning, traffic delay, breakdowns, fuelling, deadheads, and pre-trip vehicle checks. Additionally, seniority will be the determining factor for the assignment of public, school or large event charters with minimum hourly guarantees. Bereavement leave, as well as maternity and parental leave will be with pay.

The 3 year collective agreement included annual wage increases of 3% per year, retroactive to November 2008, and was ratified by 76% of the 147 employees.

David Froelich, Secretary Treasurer of Local 987 remarked, “This is truly an historical achievement to ratify a first agreement of this size, having to overcome so many challenges, and hurdles. It is a tribute to the unwavering efforts of the whole team.”

To read further information on organzing follow the links below:
Drive Up Standards
First Collective Agreement Summary
Working Together To Drive Up Standards
First Student Can Afford To Treat Us Right

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