JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One of the two vendors that run school bus routes for Duval County Public Schools could be short hundreds of drivers this school year if the vendor and the drivers’ union can’t come to a contract agreement.
A news release from Teamsters Local 512 said a group of 275 Durham School Services school bus workers represented by the union in Jacksonville have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if the company doesn’t “negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement.”
The release did not indicate the deadline for contract negotiations, but students in Duval County return to class on Monday, Aug. 10.
“Our members have spoken with one voice,” said Rebecca Cardona, President of Local 512. “This vote sends a clear message that our members will not stand by while the company attempts to strip away the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that generations of workers fought to achieve. Our members deserve respect, and they deserve a contract that recognizes the vital work they perform each and every day.”
The union said it has been negotiating with Durham for weeks, but claims that the company “has proposed sweeping concessions that would undermine the rights, protections, and standards established through decades of collective bargaining.”
The statement from the Teamsters is surprising and a bit perplexing, given that good-faith negotiations have been ongoing since late June, including today, with progress being made.
The company remains committed to reaching a fair resolution and is working diligently to avoid any disruption to service. Meetings with the Teamsters will continue in order to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the start of school.
Durham spokesperson
“This company has had every chance to do the right thing and recognize our hard work,” said Katina Stewart, a 19-year bus driver and member of Local 512. “We love our jobs and take pride in safely getting Jacksonville’s students where they need to go every day. We do work this community depends on, and our contract should reflect that.”
Local 512 said it is preparing to take Durham to court over “unfair labor practices” under the National Labor Relations Act.
Duval County Public Schools released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying:
“We understand that Durham School Services has reached a signed extension agreement with the union, and staff are currently conducting test routes as scheduled in preparation for the start of the school year on Monday, Aug. 10.
The district remains in direct communication with Durham and will continue to monitor the situation closely to help ensure a smooth start to the school year."
A union representative told News4JAX the only extension reached is the one extended through Friday, and that no official agreement has been made.