Share
Unifor Local 700 members at Autobus Venise in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in Quebec have been on strike since October 22, 2026, following an impasse in negotiations over wages and employer demands for significant concessions on guaranteed hours of work.
Guaranteed hours were central to the settlement that ended the previous labour dispute three years ago. Now, the employer is seeking to roll back those protections, threatening the stable, predictable income members rely on.
“Three years ago, guaranteed hours helped bring the dispute to an end. Today, the employer wants to weaken them by requiring training on professional development days without additional pay, as well as training beyond regular daily hours without paying for the extra time. Our members are demanding wages that reflect the work they do and guaranteed hours that provide a stable, predictable income,” said Jonathan Blais, Unifor National Representative.
Members voted unanimously in favour of strike action on September 18. Despite that clear mandate, the employer refused to negotiate and cancelled the last two bargaining sessions scheduled for October, eliminating important opportunities to reach an agreement before the strike began.
“You don’t reach a settlement by cancelling bargaining sessions. Our members have made clear their determination to defend their working conditions. The employer must return to the table ready to negotiate seriously,” said Alain Daigle, President of Unifor Local 700.
The striking members provide school transportation, helping students get to school and return home safely each day. They are calling on their employer to recognize that work with fair wages and reliable guarantees on their hours.
