First Student Drivers Join Local 166

First Student school bus drivers in Riverside, California, have voted by more than a 4 to 1 margin to join Local 166 in Bloomington. The drivers united in order to gain respect and other improvements to their working conditions. There are 45 workers in the bargaining unit.

“These workers made a conscious decision to better their lives by joining the Teamsters, and we are happy to welcome them,” said Mike Bergen, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 166.

The drivers united for better and more affordable medical benefits and sick time, and to have representation that will provide for fairness in their workplace.

Since the Teamsters’ Drive Up Standards campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry started in 2006, more than 14,600 workers have become Teamsters.