Newest Members Part of Growing Movement of School Bus Workers Organizing Throughout Chicagoland

(WESTMONT, Ill.) – With more than 80 percent voting in favor of union representation, school bus monitors at First Student in Westmont, Ill. have become the newest members of Teamsters Local 777.

“These workers have spoken loud and clear,” said Jim Glimco, President of Local 777. “They want the same benefits enjoyed by a vast majority of the First Student drivers and monitors in DuPage County who are covered by a Teamster contract.”

The workers will immediately be covered by the First Student National Master Agreement. With the addition of the Westmont yard, the Teamsters now represent every single First Student bus monitor in DuPage County.

Bertha Adams is a monitor at First Student Westmont with 15 years of experience, and she has been with the company since 2012.

“Monitors at First Student in Villa Park and Glen Ellyn reach a $15.00 per hour rate, why not us?” Adams said. “It’s not just about wages, either. A Teamster contract will also bring us job security, representation and guaranteed safety standards for our vehicles.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.