Despite the rain, unionized school bus drivers for Autobus Lasalle were out in force this morning (May 1) in Shawville as they followed through with their strike announced earlier this month.

Members of Teamsters Local 106, which represents 97 drivers for Autobus Lasalle in the Pontiac region as well as several other companies in the Outaouais, voted in favour of a strike on April 12. Denis Ouellette, a representative for the Teamsters on the picket line in Shawville, explained that Sogesco, Autobus Lasalle's parent company, hadn't responded since making an offer to the union early last month, which was overwhelmingly rejected by the union's members.

Ouellette explained that the main points of contention in the negotiations were salaries, as well as the duration of the collective agreement.

Sogesco declined an interview request but issued a brief statement through public relations agent Mylène Forget.

"The union’s current demands go well beyond the financial capacity of Autobus Lasalle Inc. due to contractual agreements currently in place," the statement reads. "It should be noted that in addition to salaries, drivers may be eligible to receive benefits totaling $2,400 per year under the Programme d'aide financière aux conducteurs d'autobus scolaires (PAFCAS), a retention program offered by the Gouvernement du Québec. Autobus Lasalle Inc. regrets the current situation and is committed to negotiating an agreement that is mutually beneficial for the company and union members. Autobus Lasalle Inc. hopes that any labour action will not negatively affect school children and their families."

Both the Centre de services scolaire des Hauts Bois de l'Outaouais and the Western Quebec School Board have advised that schools will remain open and parents should find alternative transportation. The CSSHBO emphasized that if parents cannot find transportation, that they phone the school to notify them of the absence.

The full interview with Ouellette is available below: