About 200 First Transit bus drivers in the Atlanta area have overwhelmingly ratified first-ever contracts that give them a host of benefits they never had, including paid holidays. The drivers enjoyed their first paid holiday on Labor Day. They are members of Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta.

 "It was a very well-attended ratification vote, with well over half of the bargaining unit present," said Organizer Ben Speight. "There were only a total of four 'no' votes."

 The ratification votes took place on August 30th at three First Transit locations: Emory  University, Georgia Tech and Dalon Road, which includes Georgia State, Atlanta University Center, FedEx airport facility and Coca-Cola.

 The contracts guarantee the drivers 5 percent annual wage increases over the three-year period, six paid holidays, personal leave and other benefits.

 Speight said Local 728 felt it was important to contribute to the international union's efforts to organize FirstGroup workers, and have organized all the First Transit yards in the state of Georgia. FirstGroup is the parent company of First Student and First Transit. Local 728 also appreciates the support of the International during the negotiation process.

 The workers voted unanimously, 116-0, in February to join the Teamsters.