JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some Duval County bus drivers are threatening to strike just days before the school year is set to begin.
A group of 275 school bus workers at Durham School Services, represented by Teamsters Local 512, voted on Tuesday to authorize a strike if Durham fails to negotiate a new agreement.
“Our members have spoken with one voice,” Rebecca Cardona, President of Local 512, said in a news release. “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.”
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The news release said the vote came after weeks of failed negotiations.
“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.
The union said it’s preparing to take legal action, including filing unfair labor practice charges under the National Labor Relations Act.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Action News Jax reached out to Durham School Services for a response. It released this statement from Edward P. Flavin, Senior Director, External Services:
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 is one of two contractors used by Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) to provide transportation to students. DCPS provided this statement about the possible strike:
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.
The union told us that the extension was signed last week and is set to expire on August 7.
Action News Jax will continue to follow this story. Check back here for updates.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.