Keolis Paratransit Workers Choose Teamsters Union

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Aug 06, 2013, 04:13 ET

California Drivers and Mechanics Seek Respect, Better Working Conditions

ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paratransit drivers and mechanics with Keolis, a global transportation group in Long Beach, Calif., have voted overwhelmingly, 74-2, in favor of Teamster representation. The workers joined Teamsters Local 952 in Orange, Calif., seeking respect, fair pay and improved working conditions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO )

"The company wasn't changing things for the better, so we found a way to change it ourselves and to progress in our lives," said Kizza Doby, a six-year driver with Keolis. "We don't have sick days. Our hours are being cut, which doesn't allow us to do everything it takes to provide good service. We chose the Teamsters for our future."

The 94 workers transport and assist special needs adults in southern California. The workers faced resistance from the company in their efforts to form a union, which only made them stronger.

"This is one of the strongest groups I've worked with. They showed solidarity, that they wanted to form their union and change their lives. I'm very proud of them," said Stan Brown, an organizer with Local 952.

Brown noted that the starting pay is $8 an hour, with a number of workers reporting that their paychecks are shorted from week to week. The low pay makes the costly medical plan unaffordable for most.

"I know one driver who pays $645 a month for medical for himself and his wife," Brown said.

"This is a global company, based in France, that needs to improve wages, benefits and standards, and not undermine union employers. Keolis workers have proven to be an inspiration to all of us," said Patrick D. Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952.

Drive Up Standards is a global campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 36,100 drivers, monitors, aides, attendants and mechanics have become Teamsters.

For more information on the Teamsters' Drive Up Standards campaign, go to www.driveupstandards.org.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters