Durham School Bus Drivers in Illinois Choose Teamsters Union

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Sep 13, 2010, 11:32 ET

Antioch Drivers Unite for Respect and Fairness at Work

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- School bus drivers with Durham School Services in Antioch, Illinois, have voted by more than a 2-1 margin to join Teamsters Local 301 in Waukegan. The 45 drivers united for respect, fairness and strong representation on the job.

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"I'm very excited about the outcome of our vote," said Linda Stewart, a six-year driver. "I am looking forward to a better working environment and to being treated fairly and with respect."

"I knew only good could come out of having a union. I'd like to see better wages, benefits and some retirement so we have security for our future," said driver Deanna Kube.

The drivers stood united, while facing resistance from Durham management in their efforts to join the Teamsters. The drivers were faced with weekly meetings about the union, anti-union literature and company attempts to delay the election.

"We're proud of them for sticking together, and we are looking forward to negotiating a contract that will address their needs," said Michael Haffner, Local 301 Secretary-Treasurer.

"These workers are continuing the momentum, as we organize more and more school bus workers to bring them a better standard of living," said Teamsters International Vice President John T. Coli, also President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. "My congratulations go out to the Antioch workers for taking the first big step to a brighter future."

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 27,700 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