School Bus Workers Keep Fighting for Teamster Contract

Negotiations Near One-Year Mark for Arlington Heights Drivers

Members and representatives of Teamsters Local 777 rally in front of Rich Lee Van Lines, Inc. in Arlington Heights.

In a renewed effort to secure better working conditions for school bus workers in Arlington Heights, Teamsters Local 777 is increasing pressure on Rich Lee Van Lines, Inc. after nearly a year of stalled contract negotiations.

In December 2009, approximately 70 school bus drivers and attendants overwhelmingly voted in favor of Teamster representation. Yet despite multiple monthly meetings to negotiate the contract since the New Year, the bus company’s unwillingness to move on economic provisions has left workers without regular wage increases and retirement benefits.

“In the midst of an ongoing economic crisis in this country—affecting millions of hardworking Americans—it is unfathomable that a company would actively deprive even more workers of decent wages,” said James T. Glimco, Local 777 President. “Now more than ever, the Teamsters are here to remind employers just what kind of protections working men and women deserve.”

Representatives of Local 777 rallied with Rich Lee workers at a cookout in Arlington Heights this month, keeping the union’s standard of solidarity at the forefront of negotiations. While the local has not ruled out federal mediation as an option to settle the contract, the negotiating committee is holding its ground to secure signing bonuses, wage increases, paid holidays and pension contributions for the next three years.

“Even as the Teamsters continue to drive up standards for school bus workers across the country, some people forget that just 20 years ago many drivers did enjoy these benefits through their employers or school districts,” said Glimco. “But not anymore. Wages and benefits have been stripped from those entrusted to care for our children. The Teamsters will not stop until we reclaim these rights.”

“Many drivers and attendants working for Rich Lee actually transport a large number of disabled and special needs children,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez, Local 777 business representative. “These workers are more attentive and offer specialized skills to protect their kids and perform their duties. They want to know their jobs are protected, too.”

In addition to Local 777 leaders and representatives, the union’s negotiating committee includes several member organizers within Rich Lee. Hazel Robinson, Michelle Joans and Glen Gunther, who collectively represent more than 10 years of service to the company, are continuing to meet with management to finalize their first contract.

Teamsters Local 777 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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