California First Student Drivers Join Teamsters

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Mar 12, 2010, 05:27 ET

School Bus Workers Unite for a Better Workplace

WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Student school bus drivers in Concord, Calif., voted overwhelming, 32-3, today in favor of representation by Teamsters Local 315 in Martinez. There are 42 workers in the bargaining unit.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

"We're just happy now. We needed a voice and job security," said Sylvester Williams, a driver.

The workers are seeking a seniority system and improved route bidding procedures, as well as affordable and improved health benefits.

"This is a very strong showing of support for the union," said Dale Robbins, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 315 in Martinez. "We're hopeful and optimistic that we can get a contract negotiated and ratified before the drivers start bidding for routes and prior to the beginning of the new school year. I am extremely proud of the drivers' unity and solidarity and for the hard work our organizer, Jim Sveum, devoted to this campaign."

The victory is the latest in an effort to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 25,600 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have become Teamsters.

For more information on the Drive Up Standards campaign, go to: www.schoolbusworkersunited.org.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters