School bus drivers with First Student in Barrie, Ontario joined Local 938 in Mississauga after more than 72 percent of the 87 drivers in the unit signed cards to become Teamsters.

“The workers heard about our local organizing and successes with other bus companies, including National Express, and approached us to become Teamsters,” said John Hull, Director of Organizing for Local 938. “They wanted better wages and to rectify seniority issues.”

The drivers became Teamsters in a fairly quick process. The local collected cards within a two-week period in February. Certification recently took place and a contract proposal meeting has already been scheduled.

“Since First Student runs charters going out of the province, they fall under federal legislation, which says once 50 percent plus one of the unit signs up, you make an application to the Board and then you are certified, whereas under provincial law, you have to get cards signed and go to an election.,” said Larry McDonald, President of Local 938. "The federal law is true democracy. Workers out there want to join a union and we are glad these workers joined the Teamsters."