School transportation workers unionize

BELVIDERE, Ill. — School bus drivers and aides as well as crossing guards here voted to join the Teamsters Local 777 union.

In all, there are 162 workers in the bargaining unit. The school bus workers are employees of contractor First Student.

"These workers are dedicated professionals who transport our children, and we are honored to welcome them as the newest school bus Teamster members," said Teamsters International Vice President John T. Coli, also president of Teamsters Joint Council 25.

Union officials said that since their "Drive Up Standards" campaign, which seeks to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country, began in 2006, more than 27,900 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have joined Teamsters.