School bus drivers and monitors with Durham School Services in Kansas City, Missouri, have ratified their first Teamster contract, gaining improved wages, leave time and a say in their workplace. The 308 workers joined Teamsters Local 838 in February.

“I appreciate the work of the negotiating committee. The members stood together to make these improvements,” said Joe Sutton, Local 838 Vice President.

The four-year agreement includes across-the-board wage increases in each year of the contract; increases to charter pay; an additional holiday (Memorial Day); additional bereavement time; and the grievance procedure and protections afforded by a Teamster contract.

“A union is the best thing you can have. You have a voice and backing and there is nothing more important,” said Sherry Hancock, an 11-year monitor, shop steward and member of the negotiating committee. “I’m very happy with our contract. When we started school last year we had nothing and we wouldn’t have gotten anything this year if we weren’t Teamsters.”