First Student Workers in Mississippi Choose Teamsters Union

[billyoc]

(Washington, D.C.) – School bus workers at three First Student locations in Mississippi have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 891 in Jackson, gaining representation for 316 new members in one week.

The workers at the Raymond, Canton and Yazoo City First Student locations united seeking improvements at work, such as fair wages, affordable and decent health care, a seniority system, an end to favoritism and greater respect in the workplace.

Canton, MS First Student WorkersThe school bus drivers, monitors, mechanics and lot employees made clear their desire and need for a union in the form of an overwhelming vote at all three bus yards. In Raymond, all workers who voted did so unanimously, by a final vote count of 81-0. Workers in Canton voted 100-7 in favor of the Teamsters and workers in Raymond made a strong statement of solidarity by voting 32-3.

“As a driver and substitute teacher, I instill in my kids that success is based on what decisions you make today. Therefore, we have decided to unite as one to have a voice as Teamsters,” said Jacqueline Williams, a First Student driver from Yazoo City. “Now success is before us and that includes being able to negotiate for fair pay, job security and respect.”

http://www.teamster.org/press-release.aspx?id=25608

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