Hundreds of Local Bus Drivers Rally for Better Wages

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I'm going to share some numbers to illustrate how greedy this employer is.
The school district pays approximately 32k for a school run. A (bus)unit will do two schools in the daily assignment. Maybe three, that's 64k in gross earning for the company. The bus cost approximately 32k to 45k, most are 32k,No optional equipment here , and they are all government specifications. They have a legal life of twelve years before mandatory retirement. Fuel cost are 50% percent of the pump price you pay, state and federal fuel tax exemptions, and purchasing bulk contracts. First Student budgets 16 dollars a month for maintenance.
Do the math, 64k over the length of a school year,$240 annual maitnence,50 GALLONS of fuel a week,(150x36=$5400)guessing, and one years depreciation on a bus of 32k over 12yrs = 3k.
They are charging the community 64k or 96k for the services of that bus with a driver that cost 10800 at 12 per hour x 180 days,average 5 hours a day.\
Contract gross is 62k minus say 22k leave a net profit of FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Multiply this by the seventy thousand buses that first student puts on the road every day.
Do you really feel this is rightful treatment of a employee working from six am to 6 pm to feed his family. And they receive nothing but the stipend for the "piecemeal unit of the "run", no benefit's AND no employer time off for anything.
This company, like Wal Mart uses public funding as if it was their benefit package, they counsel employees on qualifying for UNEMPLOYMENT AND MEDICAID. YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK.
Some of you will attack me personally to bolster your argument so I will reveal a little about my self, 58 and retired twice, once from the Navy, and once from the telecommunications industry after 40 years of service. I have a college degree,which taught me that the ego of management was not the righteous path for me. Financially my bosses all retired/fired with not health care, much less pension and I see some of them at Walmart and we exchange greeting, I'm the customer.
I have no financial concerns about working at First Student, except for the value of its stock.
please GOOGLE First Student and learn how big this company is, ATT was never this big. If the east coast floods, I have 20 head of Angus in the back 10. Enough about me.

Not every one is fortunate enough to have access to education, or inherit a fine home, or get a great start from MOM and Dad.
These are hard working honest people doing a job that many you cannot do, THEY DESERVE RESPECT.
PLEASE DON'T BOLSTER YOUR ARGUMENT OVER HOW ONE SPEAKS, OR THEIR DIALECT, HECK WE YANKEES THINK YOU ALL" TALK FUNNY.

Dixie Joe wrote:

Neighborhood schools and jails that are within walking distance of the community they serve would provide exersize to the fat kneegrow women that would need to take the spawn to school and then visit their men in jail. The rest of us would use private schools and deliver our children to school in our SUV's.

It is interesting to be reminded that there are still people like you existing in the United States. It is sad to hear your bigotry. While you don't come out and say your are a racist, you are clearly looking down your nose at people who work for a living. What is the air like by you?

By us, who work for a living, there is an incredible sensation of doing the right thing in that we are law-abiding working people in the transport industry -- moving this country's most precious cargo; our children. Yes, I am aware that your kids are too good for the rest of the world and so they are shoved off in your SUV (how's the gas on that thing, by the way).

We take pride in our jobs. We do our work well and take the subtle and overt abuses in stride. I know your probably never had the opportunity to work a day in your life, however, in our wonderful country -- which breeds folks like you and me, we have rights.

You probably don't know this, but every worker in this beautiful country has the right to form a union. We have the right to organize, gain a voice in the work place and gain the same respect that your husband gets in his corner office overlooking whatever he is overlooking.

You see, working people in this country -- and especially at First Student in Jacksonville, had about enough of working for substandard wages, dealing with disrespect and favoritism, and getting offered health insurance that most of us can't even afford. What would you do if you had no insurance for those little angels in your SUV? What if your trade, which you did well, was paid substandard in the area which you live and mastered the trade? Don't tell me you'd call home to daddy; you are, presumably, an adult.

What we are doing in Jacksonville and around the United States is forming a union. In our effort to do this, we not only better ourselves as workers, we set a new standard for this industry. We must keep in mind when your money runs out, your kids' kids might be on one our buses, and Lord knows, we want to make sure that they are delivered and picked up in a safe and sound manner; don't you?

In the end, I urge you to learn a little about your community. I urge to learn what compassion is. I urge you to realize that, while you might be part of some elite Jacksonville SUV click, you are a minority. You can either enjoy the little bubble you live in, or realize that our buses are filled with your neighbors.

queston wrote:

If the current drivers become teamsters, other than the cost to taxpayers, what will make them safer drivers...... Money dont make you safe... of course then the school board might have to stop spending money that is not appropriated for the reason it was spent,,, ie $24,000,000.00

First of all, every driver at First Student is required to have a CDL license. The cost of such a license gets higher and higher each year, while the pay remains substandard in Jacksonville. More money = more qualified drivers = safer roads and safer kids.

Secondly, the real deal here is not exactly about the Teamsters Union or any other, the issue at hand here is a multi-billion dollar English-based corporation that can afford better wages and more affordable health care. All of us are trying to organize a union so that we can have one collective voice that says, we deserve standard wages and AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE!!!

This is what unions are supposed to do ... Our coworkers in England, where the company is based, are 90% union. They are all earning greater wages and have health care. In addition, there is no favoritism, there is no nepotism - and, unlike here in Jacksonville (which you can see on this forum), they don't deal with the kind of racism we do here. Isn't enough enough?

I hope that helps answer your questions. If you are interested in learning more about our campaign to organize, you should go see our site at www.driveupstandards.org .

Thanks for your interest.

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>
First of all, every driver at First Student is required to have a CDL license. The cost of such a license gets higher and higher each year, while the pay remains substandard in Jacksonville. More money = more qualified drivers = safer roads and safer kids.

CDL's are $50, bus endorsement is $5, health card is $35. Everyone has costs associated with their career, that "CDL costs are high" dog don't hunt buddy.

If JAX drivers are underpaid and "more money = more qualified drivers = safer roads and safer kids", then you are saying the current crop of bus drivers are underqualified, and our roads and drivers aren't safe. Are you advocating the immediate dismissal of all current drivers if they unionize?

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>Secondly, the real deal here is not exactly about the Teamsters Union or any other, the issue at hand here is a multi-billion dollar English-based corporation that can afford better wages and more affordable health care.

How exactly have you determined the company can afford better wages and affordable healthcare? Simply because they make a profit? Aren't they beholden to the shareholders to make every effort to be profitable?

Are you really trying to make people believe this "multi-billion dollar English-based corporation" will absorb increased costs associated with unionization and not pass them along to their customers? Their customers, by the way, are the taxpaying citizens of Jacksonville. Do you pay taxes in Jacksonville?

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>All of us are trying to organize a union so that we can have one collective voice that says, we deserve standard wages and AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE!!!

Honestly, if you want higher wages and healthcare, further your education or learn a skill that commands such a wages and benefits. Driving a bus is just not that difficult regardless of how hard it is to you. I'm not trying to be mean but higher wage jobs require skills that not everyone can do.

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>Our coworkers in England, where the company is based, are 90% union. They are all earning greater wages and have health care.

90% union is WAY off. By the way, your co-workers in England also have a MUCH higher cost of living, they pay almost $7.00/gal for gas,$6.50 for a draught beer,$80 for a 2 person meal in a mid-priced restaurant,$19 for a movie ticket,$22 for a music CD, and $7.00 for a new release DVD rental. Need I go on?

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>In addition, there is no favoritism, there is no nepotism - and, unlike here in Jacksonville (which you can see on this forum), they don't deal with the kind of racism we do here. Isn't enough enough?

No favoritism, nepotism, or racism in the union huh? BWAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAA That's rich! I guess the next thing you'll sell us is that the union has no ties to the mob either.

Teamsters wrote:

<quoted text>I hope that helps answer your questions. If you are interested in learning more about our campaign to organize, you should go see our site at www.driveupstandards.org .
Thanks for your interest.

And I hope I've helped dispel the union propaganda you've been spewing here. No one is interested in paying higher taxes so bus drivers can unionize. Go back up North and sell your lies to your Yankee brethren all you want but stay out of Florida.

Dang "Teamsters"!!
You've just been shot down by an "Assclown".
:)

I agree that this person is definitely an Ass/Clown! Who by the way, should get out of their own Redneck backyard, tour a Unionized Facility, better yet, go drive a Non-Unionized school bus so you'll be better equipped to tell the truth! 1.5 Million Teamsters can't ALL be wrong!

Jimmy Hoffas Body Shop wrote:

Dang "Teamsters"!!
You've just been shot down by an "Assclown".
:)

Florida School Bus and Transit Workers Rally For Teamster Representation!

Nearly 300 of us gathered outside of First Student's Jacksonville yard to rally for what is most important to us: a voice at work, increased wages, affordable health care and RESPECT ... by the end of the rally General President Hoffa got on the microphone to tell us that the company says if we want a union, we need to vote for one!

"Our campaign is about driving up standards for bus workers and transit workers, and the children they transport," Hoffa said. "First Student wants to keep treating its employees like second-class citizens, but the Teamsters won't stand for it."

As of today more than 5,700 other First Student school bus and transit workers have joined the Teamsters. Gaining respect on the job is so critical to many First Student drivers who have chosen Teamsters.

The union is driving up standards in our industry. With the organizing taking place, we have seen improved safety, higher wages and better benefits at yards throughout the country ... now it is time for Jacksonville!

For more information about our spiritied campaign to become Teamsters, please visit SchoolBusWorkersUnited.org .

My solution......
Stop Bussing.
Go to the school closest to your home.

Voila.....
Problem solved.

Am so I old I can remember when children actually did this.

not true wrote:

First of all I am a bus driver for first student All of you putting us drivers down should look how you drive your car I been driving for 4 years and saw alot of cars running our lights and almost hitting these kids trying too walk across the road Not all drivers are as bad as ya might think every route i have ever did the kids always loved me I do agree we dont need a union but we deserve more money and benefits Everyone gets paid for a job you do well we also do a job just like everyone else alot of people working in food,shopping centers,and other places can be just as bad as any bus driver some of ya probly dont even work sit on ya butts doing nothing look at your self before you judge anyone else

I agree with you that all bus drivers do not act responsible. I've driven for 20 years. I am a union. Have been for 10 years. We deserve the respect of everyone out there because of the job that we do. Big companies have taken over. In the process they have paid less, cut hours and benefits. They pay people to union bust so they can keep their profits. So the good drivers have left for better paying jobs. In the process you get what you pay for. If you think you don't need a union you are terribly wrong. Reading some of the blogs here they are bashing all bus drivers. Some drivers don't deserve to drive but who else can you put in a seat that will drive 50 to 80 kids on a bus. Some drivers don't have monitors. Imagine.

Supporter wrote:

I agree that this person is definitely an Ass/Clown! Who by the way, should get out of their own Redneck backyard, tour a Unionized Facility, better yet, go drive a Non-Unionized school bus so you'll be better equipped to tell the truth! 1.5 Million Teamsters can't ALL be wrong!
<quoted text>

Oh please! 1.5 million is nothing. What next? Unionize all the mall janitors?

I aggree with every one on here they do need to earn the better pay that they want. I remember the days of private bus contractors. thats when the side of the school bus read DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I used to ride the bus to & from school & never had one problem with any of the drivers talking on the phones or driving wrecklessly. A good bus driver can turn the bus safely without hitting other vehicles on the rd. I remember a driver on a bus I road she was able to make a right hand turn onto lonestar rd from arlington even with cars sitting @ the light waiting to make a left onto arlington rd. It was attributted to good driving skills. she knew what she was doing. I miss the old days as alot of you said when you had an actual number to speak with a representative from the bus company and get problems straightened out.

Supporter wrote:

I agree that this person is definitely an Ass/Clown! Who by the way, should get out of their own Redneck backyard, tour a Unionized Facility, better yet, go drive a Non-Unionized school bus so you'll be better equipped to tell the truth! 1.5 Million Teamsters can't ALL be wrong!
<quoted text>

Sorry pal, I'm semi-retired from a business I built with my own hands - I have no intention of driving a bus. I went to school so that I could obtain employment that demanded a good salary and benefits without the use of an organization that puts a ceiling on my earnings.

Interesting that you call me a redneck. How did you make that determination? Is it because I'm from the South? If so, do you really want a bunch of rednecks in your highly intelligent union?

155 million employed individuals in the United States and you say 1.5 million Teamsters "can't be wrong"? Are you implying the other 153.5 million hard working individuals are wrong?

Union Review Supporter wrote:

Florida School Bus and Transit Workers Rally For Teamster Representation!
Nearly 300 of us gathered outside of First Student's Jacksonville yard to rally for what is most important to us: a voice at work, increased wages, affordable health care and RESPECT ... by the end of the rally General President Hoffa got on the microphone to tell us that the company says if we want a union, we need to vote for one!
"Our campaign is about driving up standards for bus workers and transit workers, and the children they transport," Hoffa said. "First Student wants to keep treating its employees like second-class citizens, but the Teamsters won't stand for it."
As of today more than 5,700 other First Student school bus and transit workers have joined the Teamsters. Gaining respect on the job is so critical to many First Student drivers who have chosen Teamsters.
The union is driving up standards in our industry. With the organizing taking place, we have seen improved safety, higher wages and better benefits at yards throughout the country ... now it is time for Jacksonville!
For more information about our spiritied campaign to become Teamsters, please visit SchoolBusWorkersUnited.org .

You expect the 1.6 million taxpaying residents of Jacksonville to absorb a tax increase so 300 part time bus drivers can get a raise and health insurance? You Yankees sure smoke some potent stuff.

for union wrote:

<quoted text>
I agree with you that all bus drivers do not act responsible. I've driven for 20 years. I am a union. Have been for 10 years. We deserve the respect of everyone out there because of the job that we do. Big companies have taken over. In the process they have paid less, cut hours and benefits. They pay people to union bust so they can keep their profits. So the good drivers have left for better paying jobs. In the process you get what you pay for. If you think you don't need a union you are terribly wrong. Reading some of the blogs here they are bashing all bus drivers. Some drivers don't deserve to drive but who else can you put in a seat that will drive 50 to 80 kids on a bus. Some drivers don't have monitors. Imagine.

Nobody is intentionally bashing bus drivers but don't try to tell us how hard the job is and not expect someone to call your bluff. It's not rocket science.

Islander native wrote:

<quoted text>
Sorry pal, I'm semi-retired from a business I built with my own hands - I have no intention of driving a bus. I went to school so that I could obtain employment that demanded a good salary and benefits without the use of an organization that puts a ceiling on my earnings."Thank You" for telling the truth here! You said it. You had your own business. Not everyone can do that in this world. I'm college educated too. I chose to drive a bus so that my spouse & I will have similar time off during the year. Unions don't put a ceiling on wages. Corporations haggle to the bitter end to keep from giving anything at the bargaining table. Profits, Greed, Indifference!
Interesting that you call me a redneck. How did you make that determination? Is it because I'm from the South? If so, do you really want a bunch of rednecks in your highly intelligent union? I'm from the south, and yes, you are a redneck and yes, we want to represent all school bus workers because they aren't getting a fair shake.
155 million employed individuals in the United States and you say 1.5 million Teamsters "can't be wrong"? Are you implying the other 153.5 million hard working individuals are wrong?

I've been on both sides of that fence! For all of the 1.5 million reasons that you can find against a union, there are 1.5 million individuals out there who can tell you why they belong. You're suggesting that because you belong to a labor union that you don't work hard? Tell that to the waste haulers or those that work in rubber/steel plants. Any number of blue collar jobs! Actually, my bus was 110 degree's inside last year and I had children throwing up because of it! No, not easy!

If the employer doesn't pay decent wages and refers to MEDICAID AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AS A BENEFIT PACKAGE THEN WHO IS PAYING FOR THESE BENE'S, THE TAXPAYER.
THIS EMPLOYER LIKE WAL MART WILL UNDERSELL A PRODUCT JUST TO RUN THE COMPETITION OUT OF BUSINESS.
THEN WHEN THEY ARE THE ONLY BUSINESS IN TOWN , THE TAXPAYERS GET A REAL INCREASE. WE HAVE A CONSENT DEGREE MANDATING THAT FIRST STUDENT MUST SUPPLY TERMINAL SPACE TO COMPETITORS WHO WANT TO ENTER THE BUSINESS AND CANT AFFORD SPACE. MUCH LIKE THE BREAK UP OF MA BELL.
IN OUR ECONOMIC SYSTEM WHERE THE HEALTH CARE IS EITHER EMPLOYER BASED OR COMMUNITY BASED . WHICH CHOICE DO YOU SUPPORT.

ARE YOU A UNION MEMBER?

ARE YOUR A AAA MEMBER,
lobbies for auto and driver interest.
ARE YOU A AMERICAN LEGION MEMBER,
lobbies for Veterans benefits.
Are you a AARP MEMBER
Lobbies for seniors.
P.B.A, LOBBIES, UNION FOR POLICE.
I'm sure you catch my drift, Unions are all around, its about people joining together to voice their concerns and press their interest. Why should workers be denied these privileges.

It was the IBEW that brought/broke the Iron curtain and disbanded the USSR , its about freedom.

Islander native wrote:

<quoted text>
Nobody is intentionally bashing bus drivers but don't try to tell us how hard the job is and not expect someone to call your bluff. It's not rocket science.

Maybe the public needs to be informed better of what is expected of a Bus Driver. People should see what we see in the overhead mirror, 50 to 80 kids sitting behind us while we drive a 36,000 lb bus. Not to mention driving in traffic where most people hit the gas and cut us off because they don't want to be stuck behind a school bus. If the public wants us to take care of their children to the best of our ability then First Student should give their customers what they want. They should pay drivers a fair and decent wage and benefits. I have spoke to drivers that drive faster so that they can complete their runs within the time the company gives them. I tell them that they are crazy, it is their license that will be gone if something happens. Some are covering double routes because there is not enough drivers, so they drive faster so they can get to their next destination on time. They have to keep the superintendants of schools, that they work for happy or there is no job. They do whatever the company says so they can keep their jobs. If there were no drivers there would be no company. Mom and pop bus yards are a thing of the past. First Student, Durham Bus and STA are scooping up what is left. This is a big profitable business. We carry precious cargo. Not bread, beer or water. We should have the respect of the parents, schools, and the public for the job that we do each day. We should also be respected by the company that we keep in business.

Andy Ervin wrote:

It is about time. Being a teamster member for 20 yrs. has earned me a safer work enviroment,The best pay and health insurance. I truely wish more people had it as good as I do. Go Union

You've got to be kidding. Unions may have had their place and time (say, 100 years ago), but that time is over. They do nothing now but extort money from management and cause prices to go up. Pay for your own health care like I do and stop leaching off of me.