transportation with Community Bus Services (CBS) in 2008, a move the district reports has saved more than $300,000 annually, even though the contract allows for an annual increase of 3.9 percent. But that increase accounts for increased driver pay each year
that, collectively, exceeds the increase called for in the contract with the union. Tat increase also goes toward increased bus purchase costs that far exceed 3.9 percent, according to CBS owner Terry Tomas. “Everything goes up,” Thomas says. “The reality is if you don’t
build in some type of annual increase you’re slowly eroding your ability to perform.” Te switch to CBS was unsuccessfully opposed by the Ohio As-
sociation of Public School Employees, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Te disparity in pay and benefits may not be the case in the
future, because contractor bus drivers are organizing, and the Teamsters appear to be a popular choice, having embarked upon a national campaign called “Drive Up Standards” aimed at re- cruiting school bus drivers. Te Teamsters recently were selected by First Student driv-
ers in Springfield, N.J., and in Pueblo West, Rye, Mesa, Beulah and Grand Junction, Colo. Te Teamsters were also selected by drivers with Latino Express in Chicago, and by Durham School Services drivers in Santa Ana, Irvine and Laguna Beach, Calif. “Traditionally, workers employed by public schools have
received greater benefits,” says Teamster spokesman David White. “These drivers are treated like part-time employees with few if any benefits. And we’re talking basic benefits — health insurance, sick days (and) bereavement leave. It is critical that we recognize these workers’ human rights.” Stokes says First Student’s Freedom of Association Policy ob-
serves the right of employees to associate with labor unions. Like most contractors, First Student gives incumbent drivers an opportunity to apply for jobs with the company provided they meet the requirements. “Historically, all negotiations between First Student and lo-
cal unions have been conducted at the local level,” Stokes says. “Over the course of the last year we have engaged in discussions with one of the international unions representing our employees as to the feasibility of a national agreement, which would address many non-economic matters and provide a template for use at the local level when bargaining occurs.” Cook-Illinois’ Benish, who deals with union bus drivers at three
of the 14 contracts he services, says all union-contractor rela- tionships are not adversarial. “It’s a partnership. I can’t do without the drivers and the driv-
ers can’t do without the bus companies,” he adds. “I’ve had some very good working relationships with unions over the years, so it’s not all bad.” ■
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www.ewss.org | 10939B Reed Hartman Hwy. • Cincinnati, OH 45242 40 School Transportation News Magazine June 2011
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