Employer Facts

In 2005 First Student acquired Cardinal's operation increasing its fleet of school buses by 20,200 to 60,000 buses in 3 provinces and 39 states in Canada and the US.

If you think that First Student is a small, struggling organization - think again.

Our employer, First Student, is a global company that is making billions, while we struggle to make ends meet for our familles. As school bus drivers, attendants and mechanics, we are concerned with standards in the school bus industsry and are working hard to make some needed changes.

We are seeking a living wage, affordable health insurance, respect on the job and safety on our buses. We wanted to share this information about First Student with you because it makes it clear that First Student can afford to do better for us and for the children we transport.

First Student is a subsidiary of a major global company called FirstGroup.
FirstGroup is a United Kingdom-based transport provider with operations in Canada, the United States, U.K..
In 2006, FirstGroup America's gross revenue totaled $9.1 billion, more than seven times their 2005 revenue, with operating profits of $708 million.
The company is led by Chief Executive Officer Moir Lockhead, whose salary, bonuses, benefits and stock options package totaled more than $4.1 million in 2007. His pension plan is currently valued at more than $8.3 million.

In 2007 FirstGroup PLC announced their $3.4 billion takeover bid for Laidlaw International and the merger was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.
First Student is now the largest school bus carrier in Canada and the U.S., operating over 62,000 buses in three provinces and 39 states.
First Student holds contracts at approximately 1,500 school districts and transports almost four million students to school each day.

What we can't afford is to sit by and not take action. We are working together so we can improve standards for all school bus workers. The Teamsters now represent over 35,000 members in the school bus industry.The International Brotherhood of Teamsters currently represents more than 24,000 First Student School Bus workers under more than 130 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Join us and make a difference. We are stronger together, and united we can drive up standards!