Laidlaw Bus Drivers Vote for Teamster Representation

Ellsworth, Maine Workers Seek Stability as First Student Acquisition Looms

September 20, 2007

(Ellsworth, ME) – Laidlaw drivers in Ellsworth, Maine voted to join Teamsters Local 340 in Portland, Maine by more than a 2 to 1 ratio, making an important first step toward a stable and secure work environment.

Representatives of the 62 workers sought out the Teamsters for union representation in June after drivers’ concerns heightened following the announcement of a possible acquisition of Laidlaw by First Student, a private school bus company that has earned a reputation of being anti-union.

“Right now we’re at-will employees and we’re looking for security because who knows what could happen in the future, especially when First Student and Laidlaw merge,“ said driver Casey Pitchford. “I was a Teamster for 10 years and we had a process, security and long-term benefits. That is what we need here now.”

The victory is part of an effort to organize private school bus drivers across the country. Driving Up Standards is a national campaign by the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Transport and General Workers’ (T&G) union to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus industry. Since 2006, more than 3,100 private school bus workers have joined the Teamsters.
While stability and job security were their primary concerns, the drivers also feel that union representation will help rectify a number of other issues and improve their quality of life.

“We need backing with a lot of things. We need reasonable wages, fairness and for seniority to be recognized with bids,” said driver Amy Hewes. “We need help, and the Teamsters have already shown us they can do this. We needed to form our union.”
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States and Canada.

SIXTY-TWO FIRST STUDENT EMPLOYEES IN THREE LOCATIONS VOTE FOR TEAMSTERS LOCAL 340 REPRESENTATION

June 8, 2007

On June 8th sixty-two (62) employees at the Alton, Hampden, and Deer Isle, Maine voted resoundingly to join Teamsters Local 340.

President Jim Carson of Local 340 stated that, “Teamsters Local 340 is coordinating a meeting to elect a negotiating committee and to take contract proposals. We here at Local 340 welcome these new members, and applaud the strength of their efforts to stand united in the face of an aggressively anti-union employer.” President Carson thanked Roger Travers of Joint Council 10, Alan Churchill B.A. of Local 340, and especially Darlene of First Student for their hard work on this successful campaign. President Carson also said that the standards of Bus Drivers across the country needs to be raised, making the profession of being a Bus Driver a respectable way to make a living.

The employees initially approached Joint Council 10 Organizer Roger Travers approximately three (3) months ago, with a laundry list of questions and concerns about the Teamsters. Roger Travers said “These new members were looking for someone to speak on their behalf to the management of First Student regarding equipment safety and to stand up for their rights. It has gone on far too long that these hardworking and dedicated employees have been ignored by their employer, and now the Teamsters will help the people get what they so richly deserve.”

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