Retention and Recruitment Bonus
Updated Nov. 2024
The eligibility criteria for the program have changed and each consortia is adopting different rules and the application of the bonus is different in each area as well. Drivers must still have a valid driver’s license to drive a school bus and must be employed as a school bus driver to be eligible. But much has changed – SBO is no longer involved in the administration of the program and isn’t involved in this program.
If you are a driver and need an update on the R&R bonus, please speak to your operator as each school board/transportation consortia have different rules.
Please note the following:
- There are no more exception application forms for drivers. This means if a driver has a legitimate reason for missing work, such as an illness or injury, they still may not be eligible for the bonus. Each region is applying this rule differently.
- The payments are based upon routes, not individual drivers (most areas.)
- Some consortia are pro rating the bonus to a daily rate; drivers who show up and drive the assigned route receive the pro rated amount each pay.
- Some consortia are paying the bonus in installments of $800 for the September to December period and $1,200 for the January to June period. Others are keeping the same $1,000 and $1,000 for each pay period.
- Payroll deductions to cover EI, CPP, WSIB, etc., are being flowed through to operators.
- Drivers please note: deductions at source result in an overall lower amount being received by drivers when the bonus is paid out; but, once taxes are completed each year, reconciliation will occur. Drivers need to be made aware of this.
Please let us know if there are any issue that remain outstanding with the R&R – this is very important for our advocacy.