Bus drivers that take as many as 7,000 students to school each day will be locked out on Monday, just three weeks into the school year, their union says.

Unifor Local 195 represents drivers at First Student Canada. The union said in a statement Tuesday that the company has given them formal notice drivers will be locked out beginning Monday at 12:01 a.m.

“We will not be intimidated by this company’s bullying tactics,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members will not accept an offer that underpays and undermines them.”

In a statement, First Student said the company and union have “reengaged in communication,” but did not directly address the lock out. 

“[We] continue to work toward a resolution. Our focus remains on constructive dialogue with the union to reach an agreement that supports our employees and ensures reliable transportation for students and families,” a spokesperson said. 

The 140 workers represented by Unifor at First Student will be in a legal strike position as of Friday, after voting 98 per cent in favour of a strike mandate on Aug. 20. They primarily drive routes in Windsor and LaSalle. 

Windsor Essex Student Transportation Services (WESTS), the consortium comprised of four companies that handle student transportation across the region for four school boards, is warning parents of the potential labour disruption on Monday, but has confirmed buses will be running as usual on Friday. 

Students who take a First Student bus will receive notification directly from their school, and parents can find out who their child’s bus operator is through the parent portal, WEST said in an update on its website. Parents were also encouraged to check WESTS’s social media and local media outlets.  

In a statement, the Greater Essex County District School Board said it will reach out to all affected families and will “continue to communicate with them as more information is available.” 

A spokesperson for the Catholic board said the board has confirmation that Unifor will not be taking strike action ahead of the Sept. 15 lockout. 

“In light of this possible disruption, it is essential for all families and students registered for First Student Canada school bus routes to start planning alternative methods of transportation to school,” the Catholic board in a letter to parents, and on behalf of WEST.

“Taking this proactive approach will help minimize any inconvenience should there be a disruption.”

In previous statements, the company has said it offered wage increases similar to a deal signed with drivers in Chatham, though they did not disclose the amount. Unifor says driver wages are the outstanding issue.Â