Drivers And Monitors Seek Improved Working Conditions And Fair Work Rules

(SOUTH EASTON, Mass.) – School bus workers at the Abington, Mass., First Student yard have voted overwhelmingly, 38-8, in favor of representation by Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass. The group of 60 drivers and monitors transport children in the Rockland, Holbrook and Weymouth school districts.

The workers reached out to Teamsters Local 653 earlier this year, seeking a strong voice to address their workplace concerns, specifically in regard to work rules and fair pay.

“We came together and decided to join the Teamsters to finally tackle issues and concerns we have been vocalizing to management for years,” said Marion Yablonsky, a First Student school bus driver. “We decided it was time for a change. We decided we needed union representation.”

“This campaign was about respect and consideration for the workers who transport our children on a daily basis,” said Brian McElhinney, President of Teamsters Local 653. “We look forward to representing these members who provide an important service for our communities.”

The drivers and monitors will be covered by the Teamsters' master agreement with First Student. The national contract covers more than 21,000 Teamsters who work at First Student in the United States. Economics and individual gains at the Abington First Student location will be negotiated by Teamsters Local 653.

This is the second organizing win for Teamsters Local 653 in the past two weeks. On Nov. 19, 120 custodians, craftsmen and truck drivers with Brockton Public Schools in Brockton, Mass., voted to join Teamsters Local 653. They joined the 120 First Student school bus drivers who were already represented by Local 653 at Brockton Public Schools.

The Teamsters Drive Up Standards campaign 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 37,800 drivers, monitors, aides, attendants and mechanics have become Teamsters.

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

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 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 atwww.facebook.com/teamsters.   

Custodians, Craftsmen and Truck Drivers Join Union As Teamster School Bus Mechanics Negotiate Strong Contract

(SOUTH EASTON, Mass.) – Custodians, craftsmen and truck drivers who work for Brockton Public Schools in Brockton, Mass., have voted by an overwhelming 5-1 margin in favor of representation by Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass.

The 120 workers join Teamsters Local 653 at the same time that the union has negotiated a strong first agreement for Brockton Public Schools school bus mechanics, employed by transportation contractor, First Student.

“These new members wanted a professional negotiating team and a strong contract, and we’re happy to represent them,” said Brian McElhinney, President of Teamsters Local 653.

“I feel good. My father was a Teamster for many years, and that’s how I know there’s a great deal of loyalty and stability that comes with this union. I’m excited that we’re Teamsters,” said John Talbot, a custodian.

First Student mechanics who service the school buses that transport children to and from Brockton Public Schools voted on November 9 to ratify their first Teamster contract, guaranteeing wages, a Teamster health insurance plan, and job security concerning hours of work and overtime.

“All the things we were looking to get, our local union got for us. They made it happen. This was a long time coming for us, and I’m proud to be a Teamster,” said Bob Santos, a mechanic.

Teamsters Local 653 already represents 120 First Student school bus drivers with Brockton Public Schools.

“Thanks to the solidarity of the membership, Local 653 Vice President Bill Trask and the Executive Board have been able to organize and achieve strong contracts for workers at First Student and Brockton Public Schools,” McElhinney said.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 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.

Drivers, Warehouse Workers Secure Strong Agreement That Improves Wages, Benefits, Job Security

(TAUNTON, Mass.) – More than 230 workers at Reinhart Food Service represented by Teamsters Local Union 653 ratified a first contract, voting by a 2 to 1 margin to approve the collective bargaining agreement.

The workers voted to join Local 653 in April 2013 following the third attempt to organize the drivers and warehouse workers by the union. The other two organizing campaigns occurred prior to Reinhart acquiring the workers’ original employer, Agar Supply. Entering negotiations, the unit wanted to improve wages, healthcare and job security at Reinhart.

“When Reinhart came in, management started to arbitrarily change everything without consulting the workers,” said Sean Walsh, a 22-year employee and member of the negotiating committee. “It created a lot of uncertainty. People lost their jobs, wages were changed without warning.  With this contract, I finally feel we have some real security – it was a huge weight off my mind.”

Local 653’s efforts were backed by support from Teamsters Joint Council 10 in Manchester, N.H. and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

“This campaign was a success thanks to a team effort,” said Brian McElhinney, President of Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass. “Joint Council 10 Secretary-Treasurer Dave Laughton, organizer Jeff Padellaro and International Vice President Sean O’Brien played key roles in making sure these workers received the resources and representation they needed to secure this strong first contract.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 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.