(Maryland Heights, MO)—School bus drivers in Washington, Mo. voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 610 on Wednesday. The 95 drivers and monitors are seeking fair wages, a voice on the job and an end to favoritism.

“My co-coworkers and I are hard working men and women who deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. We should share in some of the wealth of this corporation because we help make this company successful each and every day,” said First Student driver James Parson. “Now that we’re Teamsters, we will have a voice.”

The organizing committee of workers worked hard together throughout the campaign, rallying support behind their successful effort to gain Teamster representation. 

“The committee is very strong. These workers really showed a united front throughout their entire organizing campaign,” said Jeffrey Hall, Vice President and Business Agent at Local 610. “I’m excited to welcome these workers to the Local 610 family.”

The victory is the latest in an effort to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 30,900 drivers, monitors, aides, attendants and mechanics have become Teamsters.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via email