This latest organizing victory brings to nearly 31,000 private school bus and transit workers organized by the Teamsters since 2006. Our Drive Up Standards campaign aims to improve safety, service and work standards in the industry.
Ernie Bejarno, who's been a driver with Durham for eight years, says they'll be able to make positive change at Durham now that they're Teamsters:
We want a voice on the job, compensation that reflects our work and higher safety standards for ourselves and the children we drive. We’ve helped make this company profitable and we’re tired of the company just taking and taking from us.During the organizing campaign, workers held a "Speak Out" meeting, where they told the community about their working conditions and their concerns. Bejarno said the "Speak Out" was a powerful experience.
It taught us that we can’t be afraid. We have to better our lives and the Teamsters are going to help us do that.Bob Blanchet, president of Local 287, said he's elated to welcome our new Teamsters.
These are hardworking people who will make a great impact on our local and we look forward to helping them secure a strong Teamster contract.
