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Bus Drivers & Mechanics       Rumsey

BUS DRIVERS' BONANZA!

Teamster determination paid off earlier this month, when our members employed as bus drivers and mechanics at two transportation companies - First Student Inc. and Laidlaw - ratified new, groundbreaking contracts.  How we got these contracts is a story of our members' unity, and of Local 115's determined effort to protect our members' rights during a major change in employers.

United at First Student

Earlier this year the Council Rock School Board announced it was putting its school bus transportation contract up for bid. Laidlaw-Newtown, Inc., the then-current contract holder (and a longtime Local 115 shop) and First Student, Inc., a major transportation provider, soon emerged as the leading candidates. Our members employed by Laidlaw-Newtown joined together to support Local 115 and to display true Teamster unity to whatever company won the bid. First Student won the contract.

Local 115's Executive Board moved quickly to protect our Laidlaw-Newtown members' rights. Immediately, Local 115 Business Agent Bernadette Bonner contracted First Student officials to ensure that the company continued to recognize Local 115 as the collective bargaining representative for the former Laidlaw workers - which they soon did - major battle won by Local 115. Besides recognizing Local 115 as the employees' union, First Student officials also saw that fighting with 115 was not worth it because we will do whatever it takes to make sure our members' rights are protected.

Negotiations for a new contract went smoothly, and a five-year pact was reached in late May that included 50 cent per hour wage increases every year, improved health insurance coverage, a new 401k for all employees (that Laidlaw never had), an extra sick day and, for the first time, full pension coverage for mechanics, plus retention of all of our protective contract language.

Determination Pays Off at Laidlaw

Right after the First Student contract was ratified, 115 B.A. Bonner began negotiations with Laidlaw Inc. for the Bristol and Wyncote shops.

Seeing what a great contract their former co-workers at First Student had achieved inspired our Laidlaw members to stick together - and their unity paid off at the bargaining table.

Realizing that our members and Local 115 officers were determined to get a good contract, regardless of what it took, Laidlaw officials agreed to the same basic package that our First Student members got: 50 cent hourly raises in every year of the contract, improvements in health insurance, legal and scholarship funds, and an extra sick day. Most importantly - all full time workers would be in Local 115's Pension Plan, and a new 401k with contributions made by the company was set up for the drivers. This is the first 401K  plan contributed to by Laidlaw for its drivers anywhere in the United States - an outstanding achievement!

Teamster unity and determination means strength at the bargaining table - and resulted in two tough, groundbreaking contracts. The most frequent remark heard at each ratification was "This is how a union is supposed to run. Tough, firm and Democratic. What a postive change from our last contract".

Congratulations to our First Student and Laidlaw members on their new agreements.

 

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Teamsters Local 115    Meetings    115 News    Organizing    Print Shop    To Reach Us
Bus Drivers & Mechanics