Are we now done with the spam here? It would be great to be able to post here again to be School Bus Workers United again. I would pass the info on in a heart beat.

Donna Salem NH

The proposal for the National Agreement between The Teamsters and First Student is finally here! Since we'll soon be voting on it, I was wondering what my fellow First Student workers think of it.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY HEY TO ALL MY FELLOW TEAMSTER SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS.  I AM OUT OF LOCAL 455 DENVER COLORADO.  I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR SECOND CONTRACT.  WE WILL START NEGOTIATIONS SOON.  IT IS A WONDERFUL FEELING AT THE AGE OF 65 AND BEING A WOMAN TO SIT ACROSS FROM YOUR EMPLOYER AND NEGOTIATE  NOT ONLY YOUR PAY BUT THOSE OF YOUR FELLOW SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS.

I HAVE SEEN MANY CHANGES IN HOW WOMEN ARE TREATED, PAID AND LISTENED TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN 1964.  AND BELIEVE ME NOW IS THE TIME FOR US.  THE TEAMSTERS HAVE MADE MANY GOOD THINGS  HAPPEN FOR US.  IT HAS MADE US REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT WE ARE AND NOW IS THE TIME TO STICK TOGETHER THAT MUCH CLOSER.  SO TELL THAT BROTHER OR SISTER HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE.  SHERON #90

We are going into negotiations soon for our second contract with First Student.  One question that is brining much discussion pro and con is max rate.  In our first contract we didn't make much headway in cutting down the time it takes to get max rate from First Student, we got it cut down to 8 years.  Eventually we would like it cut to down to 4 years to reach max rate and include longevity language to reward those employees who have been with the company for a long period.

Do any other locations have a shorter term than 8 years to reach max rate?  Do you have longevity?  What are the longevity terms?  Answers to these questions would be of great help.

On April 14th we are going to the polls to cast our vote for union representation!!  And Durham has scheduled "mandatory driver meetings" for tomorrow morning.  You don't suppose that our organizational efforts have been noted?!?

does any one know where to buy Teamsters t shirts in St. Louis, MO ?

We are a First Student contract in Grover MO. and we are now getting ready to take the dexterity test and not be under the "grandfathered rules". I read the "new" rules and they state that you will receive a practice session before each test and the you will take the test, if you fail any part of the test you cannot retake the test for three days and you cannot work during that time. After the three days you will be allowed to take the test again, if you fail you will be terminated.

This is where there is serious problems arise and our union will definitely have a say in what happens. This test targets the elderly driver (we all know we get weaker as we age) and the driver with disability. These issues have been targets of companies for many years, and the federal government has created laws to protect each of these groups. Age discrimination and the ADA (American with Disabilities Act). These issues must not be swept under the carpet or ignored by our membership. Let your BA know that we are not going to accept this without a fight. I would love to see another class action lawsuit against FS. This is America and not England we take care of one another.

In an recent campaign at the Lincoln Park, NJ First Student yard, something dawned on me.  It doesn't matter what language the workers speak the issues are the same.  At this location the most important issue was "Respecto"/"Respect".  Both the Spanish speaking and the English speaking workers were all wanting more respect from the company.  This workforce, with approximately 50%  being Spanish speaking, were able to come together and vote nearly 2 to 1 in favor of representation by Local 102 in Springfield, NJ. 

As the workers began coming together to unite, the differences in the languages being spoken  really didn't matter.  It was evident the workers were beginning to act like a Union before they even took their vote.  I witnessed the workers begin to communicate and finally see them form their Union on March 11th.

I am thankful that the workers grew stronger during the campaign and that they realized this is what it means to have "One Strong Voice", no matter what language is spoken!  Congratulations Lincoln Park workers!

Yea.... I'm talkin' about Irvine, Laguna Beach and Santa Ana voting last Friday, the 4th, overwhelmingly in favor of joining the Teamsters.  Congratulations and a great big "'WAY TO GO"!!!!!!   The train is gathering steam, comin' down the track and who's waitin' at the station???   Hey... it's Grass Valley (and Auburn, too).  There are 68 of us and we just filed this last Tuesday, the 8th, to get an election date.  We are all Durham but more to the point:  We are all school bus drivers and proud of it!!!   We are hoping for support and info from fellow Durham drivers.... help us out by letting us know what you've been through!  I am John Oakie...10 years in the saddle... aokipapasan@yahoo.com

I need a copy of what is required for the dexterity test or can you quote it to me. I would appreciate it. Thank you