Bus drivers ratify new contract with major wage increases – UFCW 501

Québec, Qué. – September 16, 2026 — UFCW 501 members at Autobus La Québécoise Roussillon inc. have ratified a new collective agreement. Ratified at 100% during the assembly of June 11, 2026, the agreement was officially signed on June 23, 2026. The four-year contract will come to a close on August 30, 2030.

Concluded after twelve meetings, including one conciliation, this bargaining was harder than expected, namely with regard to wages, guarantee of hours and retroactivity. The unanimous support from the members testifies of the quality of the gains obtained.

Important wage raises:

• Retroactive increase to August 30, 2025;
• Maximum wage for big buses from $21.23 to $27.00, i.e., a raise of 27.2%;
• Maximum wage for minibuses from $20.17 to $23.74, i.e., a raise of 17.5%;
• Annual raises of 1.75% for 2026-2027 and 2% for 2028-2029;
• During the length of the contract, the wage progression can reach 34.7% for big buses and 25% for minibuses.

Improved work conditions:

• Regular hours established at 23 hours per week for the primary/high school circuit, and 18 hours per week for the primary circuit;
• Payment of special trips over $350 raised from 30% to 33%;
• Meal allowances raised to $12 for breakfast, $19 for lunch and $22 for dinner. These amounts will be increased of 2.5% each year of the contract;
• Holiday indemnity increased to 4% (less than 3 years), 6% (3 years) and the addition of 8% (7 years);
• Addition of two sick days; if they are not used, they are payable at 100% + 5%;
• TUAC Québec Dental plan maintained.

“Our members demonstrated a great solidarity during this demanding bargaining, and the result proved them right,” declares Daniel Nadeau, UFCW 501 Director for the East of Québec. “They get substantial wage raises and working conditions that meet the importance of their essential work with students.”

With 19,000 members in more than 410 units, UFCW 501 is part of the largest French-speaking food and commerce union in Québec and also represents members in northern New Brunswick. Our larger organization has more than 55,000 members in Québec, 270,000 in Canada, and over 1.2 million in North America. Our members work in all areas of the food and commerce industry, as well as in other fields such as service, processing, manufacturing, and technical and professional jobs.

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