Vancouver School Bus Workers Face Pay Cuts Below Living Wage: A Community in Crisis
Dozens of Vancouver school bus drivers now earn less than the region’s living wage, sparking a citywide outcry over fairness, dignity, and essential services.
What Happened:
In early April 2025, school bus drivers across Vancouver were shocked when a private contractor informed them of wage reductions. As a result, many of these essential workers are now earning below Metro Vancouver’s official living wage of $25.68 per hour.
Although these drivers transport thousands of students safely every day, they are expected to accept lower pay—despite rising living costs and inflation. Vancouver school bus drivers deserve better remuneration for their hard work.
Also Read: Surrey Schools to Lose 50 Education Assistants: What This Means for Inclusive Education
Why the Cuts Happened: A System Strained by Outsourcing
Over the past decade, public school transportation has undergone significant change. Districts once directly managed school bus systems. However, many now contract private logistics companies to lower operational costs. While this shift may seem fiscally responsible, it often comes at the expense of front-line workers.
This latest wage reduction appears to reflect cost-cutting measures embedded in those contracts. Instead of addressing the region’s affordability crisis, some private contractors are tightening their belts—leaving essential drivers behind. The voices of Vancouver school bus drivers must be heard.
According to Living Wage for Families BC, a living wage means earning enough to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and child care. When wages fall short of this standard, workers face impossible choices.
The Broader Impact: Families and Classrooms Feel the Strain
This issue doesn’t only affect bus drivers—it touches every part of the community.
Firstly, students may lose access to reliable transportation as disillusioned drivers resign or reduce their hours. Secondly, parents may struggle to fill the gap, especially if they rely on public transit or hold shift-based jobs. Finally, schools themselves will face logistical disruptions that could affect attendance and equity.
“These drivers are often the first adult a child sees in the morning and the last one before home,” explains Dr. Anjali Patel, a sociologist at UBC. “When we devalue their labour, we also send a message about what we think of care work in general. The community must support Vancouver school bus drivers in their fight for fair wages.”
The Human Cost: Workers Speak Out
The emotional toll of these wage cuts runs deep. Rosa Delgado, a 57-year-old single mother and school bus driver, shared her frustration in a community forum. “We got kids to school through floods, smoke, and snow,” she said. “And now, they thank us by slashing our pay.”
Clearly, this isn’t just about numbers on a paycheck. It’s about dignity. Workers like Rosa feel unseen—essential, but expendable. Many say they can no longer afford basic groceries, let alone rent or child care. The plight of Vancouver school bus drivers illustrates a crisis of dignity and respect for essential workers.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reports that undervalued care and service workers experience higher levels of burnout, anxiety, and attrition.
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – BC Labour and Wages Report
What Can Be Done: A Call for Policy Change
Rather than accepting these cuts, community advocates are demanding action.
They are urging:
- Living wage guarantees in all public-sector contracts
- Oversight of private contractors involved in education
- Transparency and worker inclusion in contract negotiations
Already, several Vancouver city councillors have expressed concern. Some have proposed motions to explore living wage bylaws or to hold contractors accountable through new service standards.
Stay updated with the BC Federation of Labour, which is mobilizing legal reviews and public outreach.
Final Thought: A Mirror of Our Values
Ultimately, this wage crisis reveals more than budget priorities. It reflects our social values.
Vancouver cannot claim to support equity and inclusion while paying essential workers less than it costs to live here. These drivers are more than employees—they are caregivers, protectors, and community stewards. The situation of Vancouver school bus drivers must be addressed to reflect a society that values fairness.
Therefore, let this story remind us: we cannot build a thriving city by breaking the backs of those who keep it running.
