Nearly 300 of us gathered outside of First Student's Jacksonville yard to rally for what is most important to us: a voice at work, increased wages, affordable health care and RESPECT ... by the end of the rally General President Hoffa got on the microphone to tell us that the company says if we want a union, we need to vote for one! 

"Our campaign is about driving up standards for bus workers and transit workers, and the children they transport," Hoffa said. "First Student wants to keep treating its employees like second-class citizens, but the Teamsters won't stand for it."

As of today more than 5,700 other First Student school bus and transit workers have joined the Teamsters. Gaining respect on the job is so critical to many First Student drivers who have chosen Teamsters. "The reason I want to be a Teamster is so that I can have a voice at work," said Corlene Isaacs, a seven-year employee of First Student. "Management doesn't respect us now, but they will with a union!"

The union is driving up standards in our industry. With the organizing taking place, we have seen improved safety, higher wages and better benefits at yards throughout the country ... now it is time for Jacksonville!

For more information about our spiritied campaign to become Teamsters, please visit SchoolBusWorkersUnited.org.