(New Jersey) Bus-firm workers to vote on union

[billyoc]

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — About 150 drivers, mechanics and attendants employed by the Monmouth Junction affiliate of First Student, the nation's second-largest school bus company, will vote Thursday on whether to join a Teamsters local.



The vote, part of the union's bid to organize school bus drivers and associated personnel working for private companies nationally, is the Teamsters' second attempt to organize First Student employees in New Jersey.

"We've had overwhelming support. The workers are very, very ready for change. They know the company is not going to give them anything unless they are forced to negotiate," a Teamsters organizer, Matt Emmick, said.

Susana Smith, a school bus driver for eight years, who has worked for First Student since May 2006, said several outstanding issues, particularly a lack of safety oversight and health benefits, would lead her to support joining the local.

http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070919/NEWS/709190393/1001