(CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill.) — Members of Teamsters Local 330 that are employed by Durham School Services voted overwhelming to reject the final offer by the company on Sunday, September 10 and authorized strike action if a fair and acceptable agreement could not be reached. The contract covers approximately 250 bus drivers, mechanics, and monitors employed by Durham, providing school transportation services to Community Unit School District 300.

“I have urged the company to come back to the bargaining table in an effort to address membership concerns in order to prevent conflict and/or a labor dispute,” said President Dominic Romanazzi in a letter to workers Tuesday. “I remain hopeful that the company will in fact return to the bargaining table in order to resolve certain issues amicably.”

At issue with the rejected agreement was a competitive wage scale for current employees and issues related to the bidding process. Driver shortage is a serious issue facing school districts throughout the state and Teamsters Local 330 firmly believes that retaining experienced, professional drivers is key to safe, reliable service.  The union is committed to reaching an agreement in a timely manner so children and families are not affected, but they will not concede on good wages, benefits, and working conditions that ensure a top quality workforce and the safest operations possible.

“We will attempt to secure a new agreement without a work stoppage, however if that cannot be done Local 330 stands prepared,” Romanazzi said. “Our members are experienced professionals who love their jobs and the students in our community.  We look forward to sitting down with the company immediately because we understand the urgency of this matter.”

On Wednesday September 13, the company did send a communication to Local 330 agreeing to resume negotiations which the union believes to be a positive sign. The union is still awaiting a confirmed date and has requested the company to act swiftly in order to address the very sensitive and urgent matter.

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 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

 

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