Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2020 at Alouette Bus Lines in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, have ratified a new collective agreement, bringing an end to a two-month strike that highlighted critical issues in the student transportation sector. The agreement, reached on April 24, 2026, includes significant improvements in wages and working conditions, reflecting the solidarity and determination of the striking workers.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The ratified contract provides wage increases across various classifications, including drivers, van operators, and shuttle drivers, over the life of the agreement. It also includes retroactive wage adjustments, annual increases, and a signing bonus for all bargaining unit members employed at the time of ratification. These gains represent a meaningful step forward for workers who had been advocating for fair compensation and safer working conditions.
Union Leadership Applauds Solidarity
Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director, praised the members for their unity and resolve. “Drivers stood together, raised their voices, and pushed for change. While more work remains, they achieved real progress on wages and highlighted the urgent need for a $24-per-hour industry benchmark,” Stewart said. Mike Scott, USW Staff Representative, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This agreement shows what solidarity can achieve. We improved wages and exposed system flaws that require real, enforceable standards.”
Broader Concerns and Advocacy
Throughout the strike, members raised concerns about the flow of public funds through a consortium before reaching workers. The union and community reached out to Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra and Labour Minister David Piccinini but received little response. Stephanie Gunson, President of USW Local 2020, emphasized the need for systemic change: “Our members showed courage and determination every step of the way. This result reflects their commitment to improving not just their own working conditions but the future of school bus drivers across the province. We are calling for a mandated minimum of $24 per hour for all bus drivers in the province and will continue to push for government action.”
Industry Benchmark Demands
During the strike, drivers and the union pushed for a mandatory wage benchmark of at least $24 per hour to ensure fairness and stability in the sector. Stewart added, “Drivers play a key role in our children’s safety. They deserve fair wages, respect, and a system that works for them.” The agreement is seen as a step toward achieving this goal, though further advocacy is expected.
About the United Steelworkers Union
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. The union is known for its strong track record in creating healthier, safer, and more respectful workplaces, as well as negotiating better working conditions and fair compensation, including wages, benefits, and pensions.
For more information, contact Kevon Stewart at 416-243-8792 or kstewart@usw.ca, Mike Scott at 705-675-2461 or mscott@usw.ca, Stephanie Gunson at 705-479-2020 ext. 228 or sgunson@uswlocal2020.ca, or Arushana Sunderaeson at 416-243-8792 ext. 1233 or asunderaeson@usw.ca.
