Living Sky School Division is moving forward with a plan to sell its rural bus fleet and contract student transportation services to Southland Transportation, a decision drawing concern from the union representing drivers and mechanics.
CUPE 4747, which represents transportation workers in the division, said it anticipated the board’s decision but remains worried about the long-term impact on workers and service delivery.
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to stop it,” said CUPE 4747 president Krista Walker.
Living Sky School Division said the decision followed extensive financial review and discussions focused on long-term sustainability. The division said contracting transportation services will not reduce oversight or expectations.
“Contracted services will continue to operate under strict standards established by Living Sky including safety, training and performance requirements,” the division said in a statement sent to battlefordsNOW.
The division added that existing staff remain a priority and supports will be in place to maintain continuity during the transition.
According to the union, about 52 bus drivers and two mechanics will move under a new employer. Walker described the change as “scary and uncertain times for them.”
She said CUPE’s focus is ensuring workers’ rights continue under the new company.
“It is our role to ensure that our members go with the understanding that their collective agreement will follow them and hope that their new employer or know that their new employer will be following it,” she said.
Walker said the board and trustees have reassured the union the collective agreement will be honoured by Southland Transportation.
In a release, CUPE 4747 said it is concerned contracting out transportation services could lead to several long-term risks, including loss of oversight and transparency as the division gives up direct control over day-to-day operations, training standards and performance.
The union also warned of a potential decline in service quality, arguing private companies may prioritize profit, which can lead to higher staff turnover and less investment in safety. CUPE further raised concerns about cost uncertainty, stating initial contract pricing can rise over time and make it difficult or expensive to return services in-house if needed.
“Living Sky kids will now be transported to Living Sky’s Schools from a non-Living Sky bus,” she said. “And that’s a little scary.”
The school division said student safety, operational accountability and responsible use of resources remain priorities as implementation moves forward. It said it will continue communicating with families and staff throughout the transition.
Walker said CUPE understands the division’s reasoning but wants employees to know their interests were represented during the process.
“We just hope that Southland treats them with the same respect and dignity that Living Sky did,” she said.
Living Sky School Division serves about 5,300 students across 28 schools in 19 communities, spanning a wide portion of northwest and west-central Saskatchewan.
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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com
