Laval bus drivers’ union told to stop systematically refusing overtime

The Société de transport de Laval’s 640 drivers have been without a labor contract since 2019.

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Quebec’s labor board has ruled in favor of a request from Laval’s transit agency to prevent bus drivers from systematically refusing overtime, a pressure tactic that has reduced hours of service.

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The Tribunal administratif du travail ordered the Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique union, which represents the drivers, to take all measures necessary so members stop systematically refusing overtime and fill assignments on school bus routes. The court also ordered bus drivers to stop systematically refusing overtime and fill high school bus routes.

The Société de transport de Laval went to the board last week after seeing what it described as illegal pressure tactics from bus drivers. It said the overtime refusals meant bus trips had to be canceled because of insufficient drivers available — 129 trips on April 11, 169 on April 12, 189 on April 13 and 305 on April 14.

“The data put in evidence, and not challenged, leave no doubt about the sudden, drastic and collective nature of the refusals to work overtime hours,” administrative judge Irène Zaïkoff wrote in the decision.

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The local union said it was not at fault and even sent a message to members reminding them to respect orders, laws and regulations. The court agreed there was no proof the refusals were requested by the union, but said the existing orders were insufficient.

Negotiations to renew the collective agreement of the 640 STL bus drivers have lasted months. Salary is the main issue now. The drivers have been without a contract since 2019. In November they held two strike days, while continuing to provide essential services.