First Student school bus drivers in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, have voted to join Local 261.

On May 21, a majority of the 33 drivers voted to join New Castle, Pennsylvania-based Local 261. The drivers are based in Ellwood City and drive for the Riverside School District.

“The drivers had worked at a locally owned bus company and then First Student bought the company,” said Doug Robbins, Local 261 President. “First Student began imposing its rules and the company had no concern about the drivers, just profits. The drivers wanted Teamster representation so they could have a voice to protect their working conditions.”

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 27,400 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have become Teamsters.

For more information on the Drive Up Standards campaign, go to: www.schoolbusworkersunited.org

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