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The request for proposals (RFP) process for handing out school bus contracts drives down wages and worsens already challenging working conditions, a Unifor delegation recently told an Ontario panel reviewing the issue.
“For workers, the RFP model encourages a lowering of wages, declining work standards and, in some cases, job loss for school bus drivers,” Unifor said in its submission to the three-person panel.
“Competing for low-cost school bus contracts has created a situation of low morale and high turnover in an industry that prides itself on safety and reliability.”
Unifor’s submission was made February 6 by National Representative Len Poirier, along with Unifor Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery and Local 4266 President Andre Desjardins and Angelo DiCaro from the Research Department.
The group shared with the review panel, chaired by former judge Colin Campbell, their experiences at the bargaining table, where the RFP process and its heavy downward pressure on costs have made negotiations much more difficult.
Drawing on a report released by Unifor at the start of the school year, Unifor’s delegation offered several solutions to the panel, including taking drivers’ compensation out of the bidding process and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder office to monitor school bus contracts.
“Although often overlooked, drivers play a key role in the total educational experience for students. Drivers deserve better,” Unifor said in its submission.
The review panel will continue to hear contributions from stakeholders across the school bus industry, and is expected to release its report in the spring.
