GRANDE PRAIRIE – Bus drivers in this booming city will be the beneficiaries of wage increases of over 24% over three years.

The drivers’ union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Cardinal Coach Lines reached a settlement recently that substantially boosted wages.

CUPE Local 787 President Randy Wald said Cardinal knew it needed to increase wages because of the realities of a labour shortage.

“They are hoping to get more bodies driving buses,” said Wald.  “And they are hoping more money will do that.”

In addition to the increase for regular drivers, the wages for new employees still under probation increases by 45.5% over three years.  “In this economy, Cardinal simply can’t attract drivers with such a low starting wage,” said Wald.

After 2008, employees will receive wage increases equal in value to the Consumer Price Index increase for Alberta.

Contact:

Contact: Randy Wald

CUPE 787 President

780.814.9087

LA/ld

Cope #491

For more information about CUPE Alberta, visit www.alberta.cupe.ca