In Brattleboro, Vermont First Student drivers voted 25-4 to join Teamsters

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Student workers in Vermont overwhelmingly voted to join the Teamsters Union in an election this week.
In Brattleboro, Vermont First Student drivers voted 25-4 to join Teamsters Local 597. The 30-person unit sought to improve their medical benefits and wanted a stronger voice in the workplace.
"We have a voice now," said Noni Fournier, a Brattleboro bus driver. "We hope for respect, to be treated fairly."
The workers reached out to the union just 28 days prior to the election. Extremely motivated, they quickly signed a majority of authorization cards just one day after meeting with union officials. The Teamsters petitioned for an election on their behalf the same day. Negotiations for a first contract have already begun for the unit.
"The level of improvement that our current First Student members have seen with their contracts will be repeated in Brattleboro," said Dave Laughton, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 10. "Joint Council 10 continues to set the standard for organizing throughout New England. These brave men and women worked hard to become Teamsters and we intend on helping them achieve dignity, respect, proper working conditions, and a livable wage."
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 13,441 workers have become Teamsters in more than 100 elections to date.
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters