West Aurora Bus Workers Demand end to Contract Violations

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Oct 03, 2011, 07:00 ET

Cook-Illinois Workers To Speak Out at Monday School Board Meeting

WEST AURORA, Ill., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Richlee Vans bus workers said today that their employer is violating its contract with the school board by underpaying drivers by more than $700,000.

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The workers attended a West Aurora School District 129 School Board meeting to demand the company, a subsidiary of Cook-Illinois, stop violating its contract. The workers also want safety and other improvements to buses.

"We calculate that this company has collectively robbed its Aurora workers of $719,000 in wages it was required to pay under its contract," said Delargo Dunn, an Aurora bus driver. "The school board ought to be asking where that money went, since it paid the full amount agreed to in the contract."

Cook-Illinois has underpaid workers despite its contractual obligations. It has also forced them to drive dilapidated buses.

"The hardworking, dedicated employees of Cook-Illinois want fairness and respect for ourselves and the communities we serve," said Patricia Shipp, an Aurora bus monitor. "It's incredible that we have to ask for basic items that are guaranteed in a contract between our employer and the school district. The contract violations must end now."

The workers want to form a union with Teamsters Local 777 in Lyons to gain respect, a voice on the job and a strong contract that secures wages, benefits and work rules.

"We are disappointed in Cook-Illinois for these massive contract violations," said Jim Glimco, President of Teamsters Local 777. "We ask that Cook-Illinois take immediate action to resolve all of these matters."

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 777