(STEILACOOM, Washington) – Steilacoom School District Bus Drivers with First Student have voted to ratify their first contract as members of Teamsters Local 313. The agreement, which covers 25 drivers, was ratified by an almost two-to-one margin.

“Congratulations to all of our drivers who fought hard and maintained solidarity in the face of adversity,” said John Emrick, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 313. “I especially want to thank Teamsters Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer John Scearcy and Passenger Transportation Division Director Rick Middleton for everything they did to support us during this process.”

Bargaining started in October 2016, but reached a standstill last month. The workers voted to authorize strike action on May 24. The action proved to be effective and after only four hours, management and the workers negotiated a tentative agreement which was ratified from the strike line that very same day. Under the new agreement, workers will receive an average wage increase of five dollars per hour within the first 18 months of the contract.

“It’s about time somebody stepped in and helped to organize the people down here,” said union steward Tammy Barrick. Barrick worked hard to fight for a good contract during negotiations. “Thanks to the Teamsters, we are now getting the respect that we deserve.”

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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