(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) – Drivers and mechanics with First Transit in Auburn, Ala., have voted by an overwhelming 3-1 margin in favor of Teamsters representation. The 116 workers, who provide transportation services for students at Auburn University, chose to join Teamsters Local 612 in Birmingham, Ala., seeking respect, fair pay and improved working conditions.

Cassandra Young, a driver at Auburn University for over 12 years, is happy to be a Teamster and is looking forward to having a Teamster contract.

“This has been a long journey, but we never let our faith waver,” Young said. “We called the Teamsters because we wanted a real union to improve our situation. We’re looking forward to having the respect and backing of a strong union.”

“These hardworking bus workers were brave to do what they did, to stand together and organize for a better workplace,” said Donnie West, President of Local 612. “We are proud to represent them and look forward to providing them with the best representation possible to improve their working conditions.”

“They showed their solidarity and stood up for fairness on the job,” said George Yarborough, a business agent with Local 612. “Union representatives will soon begin negotiating with First Transit management on a first contract for the bargaining unit.”

The Teamsters’ Drive Up Standards campaign is a global campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 38,600 drivers, monitors, aides, attendants and mechanics have become Teamsters. For more information on the Teamsters’ Drive Up Standards campaign, go to www.driveupstandards.org.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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