Illinois First Student Workers Join Teamsters
School Bus Drivers and Monitors Seek Fairness and Respect
WASHINGTON, March 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Student school bus drivers and monitors in Highland, Illinois, have voted to join the Teamsters Union. The 66 workers who are seeking fairness and respect from their employer are now members of Teamsters Local 525 in Alton.
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"We united because we saw things taken away from us, like pay, and there is a lot of favoritism," said Mike Bolk, a driver. "I'm happy about our vote."
The workers had support from fellow school bus workers in their efforts to join the Teamsters, including shop stewards with Teamsters Local 50 who drive for Durham School Services.
According to Tim Ryan, business agent with Local 525, First Student enacted a wage freeze on workers' already low pay, while favoritism in the distribution of work hours and assignments was also a key issue of concern. The 39-17 victory in favor of Teamster representation was made possible by the joint efforts of the International Union, Local 525 and the solidarity of the workers.
"It's good these folks recognize the Teamsters can help them with their working conditions and they are looking forward to a fair contract," said Thomas Pelot, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 525. "We are proud of them and happy to be a part of the success the Teamsters have had in organizing workers in this important profession across the country."
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 25,900 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
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