As representatives of the school bus drivers of New Brunswick (CUPE 1253) and the Vehicle Management Agency mechanics and workers who repair school buses (CUPE 1190), we wish to highlight the work done by NB Auditor General Paul Martin. The Department’s need to improve working conditions and do better has been revealed by Mr. Martin to the public.

Auditor Martin’s report reinforces how our school bus system needs proper resources and attention from this government. When a government does not take responsibility for delivering public services properly, it puts our children and workers at risk. That is unacceptable.

Local 1190 mechanic, at one of the Vehicle Management Agency garages (VMA) in Fredericton

The core of these issues lies not just in the physical state of our buses, but in the persistent inaction from the highest levels of our government. For years, Locals 1253 and 1190 have called on their employers about the urgent need for fair wages, improved recruitment, and retention of qualified bus drivers, mechanics and inspectors, and an efficient management that supports its staff. These demands have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears.

We have continually advocated for implementing a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy. However, our calls for action have been ignored.

The report’s findings of missing paperwork and a lack of training evidence make bus drivers including mechanics, mechanic supervisors, and automotive inspectors look bad, when it is the employer’s responsibility to keep adequate records, ensure training is properly carried out, and that all certifications are up to date.

Minister Bill Hogan’s recent comments, expressing shock at the magnitude of the issues, only confirm what we have known for years: that there is a serious disconnect between the realities on the ground and the actions of those in power. Minister Hogan’s acknowledgment of the “serious and significant issues” is a step forward, but words are not enough. We need concrete actions and accountability.

CUPE Local 1190, responsible for bus inspections and repairs, also shares these concerns. Our members, including mechanics, mechanic supervisors, and automotive inspectors, are hired by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) but managed by the Vehicle Management Agency (VMA). We have seen numerous job postings re-advertised multiple times due to them not being filled. Reports from our members indicate they are working short-staffed, with workloads disproportionate to the number of employees available to ensure our buses are safe. The absence of a response from the director of VMA on the auditor general’s report is adding to the concerns.

We have also received information from former members who have left VMA for a $5 to $10 wage increase in other sectors. Over the years, we have seen significant cuts; previously, we conducted our own bodywork and painting. Now, more and more of this work is being outsourced at a much higher cost—three to four times the cost of doing it in-house.

Our members are dedicated employees who ensure the safety and well-being of our children every day. Yet, they are often forced to work under precarious conditions, with low wages that do not reflect the critical nature of their work. Meanwhile, excessive management personnel fail to provide the necessary oversight and support, further exacerbating these issues.

CUPE Locals 1253 and 1190 demand immediate and sustained action from the Higgs government and Minister Hogan. We call for:

1. A comprehensive and transparent plan for recruiting and retaining bus drivers and maintenance staff, which includes offering competitive wages and benefits.
2. Bringing solutions at the bargaining tables: to improve staffing, the NB government must offer competitive and respectful wages for its staff.
3. More front-line workers, fewer managers: redirecting resources to frontline services that truly impact student safety, like hiring more drivers, mechanics, etc. to ensure that no bus operates without up-to-date safety checks.
4. Reinstatement of in-house services, such as bus bodywork and painting to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Invest in in-house repair rather than contracting out.

The safety of our children is non-negotiable. It is time for the government to stop ignoring the voices of those on the front lines and take meaningful action to rectify these long-standing issues. CUPE Locals 1253 and 1190 stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that our school transportation system is safe, reliable, and respected.

Jonathan Guimond – President of CUPE 1190

Iris Lloyd – President of CUPE 1253