Province, School Board Pleased Agreement Reached

The Department of Education and the Halifax Regional School Board are happy Stock Transportation and Local 78B of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union reached an agreement on a new contract today, Jan. 25.

"We are pleased to see a deal reached, and that a possible strike was avoided," said Education Minister Judy Streatch. "As a result, students and their families will be able to continue this school year without fear of losing this vital service."

The two sides negotiated throughout the night after returning to the bargaining table Saturday, Jan. 24. The union represents bus drivers, monitors and mechanics employed by Stock Transportation, which provides student transportation for the board.

"At then end of day. I believe we are all glad to avoid a disruption in our bus service," said Irvine Carvery, chairman of the school board. "More than 22,000 students depend on this service to get to school each day, and we did not want to see their school year interrupted."

The school board has agreed to review the terms and conditions of its contract with Stock. In return, Stock will waive its right to terminate it before its completion in June 2011.