Duval County school bus drivers, who serve Southside schools, have threatened to strike if they cannot reach a new contract with Durham School Services. About 275 drivers voted to strike in reaction to what the union says are concessions proposed by Durham.
Contract Disputes
Teamsters Local 512 announced the strike vote, with local President Rebecca Cardona stating that the union will not stand by while the company attempts to strip away wages, benefits, and workplace protections. However, schools Superintendent Christopher Bernier seemed to say that a strike had been averted, as the school district had checked with Durham and they had reached a signed extension agreement with the union.
Confusion arose when union spokesperson Lena Melentijevic said there had been no extension, other than one signed last week that expires at 11:59 p.m. Friday. Later, she told Jacksonville Today that a strike would be a “final resort” and Local 512 would meet with Durham on Thursday and Friday.
Durham is one of two private companies that provide bus services to Duval County’s public schools. The company remains committed to reaching a fair resolution and is working diligently to avoid any disruption to service.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
