Truckers to cross pickets if tested by DriveTest managers

TORONTO — DriveTest workers have decided they won’t be going back to work anytime soon, but managers say they’ll start administering some tests for commercial vehicle drivers, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

The move hasn’t been officially confirmed by Serco DES, the private company that tests for and administers drivers’ licences, but according to The Toronto Star, truck drivers who have completed courses at driving schools will be given priority at a limited number of DriveTest centers.

Reportedly, there’s a backlog of 300,000 drivers who need road tests and other recertification as well as eye exams.

DriveTest mangers are expected to begin limited testing after membership of United Steelworkers Local 9511 flatly voted to reject the company’s "final" proposal, saying the "offer sucks."

The 500 workers have been off the job for three months.

And they’re not likely to give drivers trying to complete a test during the strike an easy time. Drivers looking to get tested by management should expect to cross picket lines.

"If it’s true, we’ll be taking all the necessary action to minimize, if not stop, the scab work," said Jim Young, president of USW Local 9511.