Middle left: Rick Middleton, IBT International Representative and Co-Chair of School Bus Campaign. Middle right: Tommy Campbell, Unite’s full time officer for Aberdeen, ScotlandAfter prolonged bargaining sessions, nearly 500 FirstGroup bus drivers, mechanics and cleaners in Aberdeen, Scotland, the headquarters of FirstGroup, have voted a new two-year contract with the company. The workers are members of the Unite union (formerly the T&G), our partner union in the Drive Up Standards campaign.

This year will see a deal worth up to 3.35% as for the first time drivers will receive paid time for vehicle safety checks (either reducing driving time or paid as overtime)and for two years the company will pay membership fees for all workers to be covered by the Transport Benevolent Fund insurance. Additionally, cleaners will be covered by the company's sick pay agreement from which they have been excluded for many years.

Middle left: Rick Middleton, IBT International Representative and Co-Chair of School Bus Campaign. Middle right: Tommy Campbell, Unite’s full time officer for Aberdeen, ScotlandFrom April 2010, all workers will receive at least an extra 2.5% on all elements of pay plus one extra holiday day. An extra day's holiday will be added in 2011 giving a total of 36 days vacation per year.

The Aberdeen workers have expressed their gratitude for the support given by their Teamster sisters and brothers.