Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 applauds Governor J.B. Pritzker signing HB 1167 into law this morning, ensuring thousands of education workers in Illinois receive the wages, benefits, and the respect they greatly deserve. IBT Joint Council 25 President Terrence J. Hancock said the bill provides a safe, in-person learning environment for students and Teachers, while addressing the critical shortage of Bus Drivers in the State of Illinois.

“On behalf of the 100,000 members we represent throughout the State of Illinois, including more than 6,000 School Bus Drivers, I want to thank the Governor and Illinois Lawmakers. They strengthened our education system in Illinois by investing in the people that make it work. Ensuring those who teach, transport, and take care of our children at school are respected and valued provides a better learning environment for our students, and at the end of the day, that is what it is all about,” Hancock said.

HB 1167 provides paid time-off due to COVID related issues on behalf of Teachers and other employees of School Districts, Public Universities, and Community Colleges, and provides paycheck protection on behalf of School Bus Drivers, making sure they are compensated even if a school moves to remote learning.

“As I said when this passed the House last month, this legislation will not reverse the shortage of Bus Drivers but does provide some certainty that our membership will be paid, which goes a long way towards improving recruitment and retention rates among School Bus Drivers,” Hancock said.

Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 and its affiliates throughout Illinois represent thousands of dedicated School Bus Drivers and transportation workers across the State of Illinois.

Teamsters Local 777 Member, Driver Danny Avila