The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local representing New Brunswick school bus drivers has disputed claims made by the provincial auditor general that its members are failing to meet licensing, training, and criminal record check requirements. Iris Lloyd, president of CUPE Local 1252, stated that the personnel files reviewed by the auditor were not up to date and that bus drivers are dedicated to their jobs and understand the importance of transporting children safely to and from school.
The auditor general’s report, released last week, found that a review of 65 drivers’ personnel files revealed that 46 percent did not comply with licensing requirements and 20 percent did not have a criminal record check on file. The audit also highlighted concerns about school bus maintenance, noting that between January 1, 2022, and February 1, 2024, 63 buses were overdue for inspections and another 311 were overdue for maintenance.
Jonathan Guimond, president of the New Brunswick CUPE local representing mechanics, attributed the condition of some buses to inadequate compensation for mechanics, making it challenging to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Lloyd emphasized that bus drivers undergo regular training and are committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism and safety. The union has requested a meeting with the auditor general to address the concerns raised in the report and to provide accurate information on the qualifications and training of its members.
