As I begin to pack up my hotel room in Fitchburg, MA, I am reminded of the many new friends we will leave behind. Having arrived in this town just 3 weeks ago, one would think there is no way possible of becoming so close to so many in that short of time. Well, they would be wrong in this assumption.
When we arrived in mid May we found workers starving for "Real Representation". They had been with ATU for 11 yrs as bus workers and things had gone from bad to worse in this location. The workers are employed by First Student and there are approx 175 at this yard. It is a very diverse unit but most understand that a union is needed at FS but without true representation, they have nothing. Their grievance process was nearly obsolete. It did them no good to try to grieve something because it would go no where. The workers have talked about their union meetings being so out of control and even some meetings where the members have been thrown out. There is just no respect and they have no voice when it comes to changes that should have been brought before members.
Being a Teamster member since 1992, as a bus driver, it was hard for me to imagine this type of union. But we listened gathered our information and have a full understanding of what the workers need in a union and are seeking in a union.
The workers in Fitchburg now have the opportunity tomorrow to vote on what they want. ATU, Teamsters LU 170 and no union will be their choices on the NLRB ballots. It is entirely up to these workers what they do. They have been given information by both unions and now they will have to decide: Do I want to continue paying a union for no representation, no respect and no voice? Or do I want to pay dues to a union who will give me true represenation, the respect I deserve and a voice that has been hushed for nearly 11 years? I feel workers in Fitchburg have already made their decisions. They have signed a record setting Vote Yes Petition and have stepped up to be photographed for this GOTV flier coming out later today!
As Jarrod Skelton, the other organizer from IBT, and I prepare to leave this unit, I must say this will be the hardest place to say good-bye to. Not only have we made lifetime friendships here but we are optimistic that we will leave these workers in the wonderful hands of Mike Hogan and Teamster Local 170.
Best of luck to the workers in Fitchburg, MA for their hard work to bring on this election and for being some of the warmest and friendliest people we have ever worked with! Our short time together will give us a lifetime of memories!
