After Strike, Local 1212- Chattanooga, TN, School Bus Workers in Dalton, GA, Win Strong Contract
After a unified week-long strike, Our Local 1212-Chattanooga, TN, school bus workers in Dalton, GA, ratified a strong collective bargaining agreement with First Student to end their strike. Nearly 40 bus drivers, monitors, mechanics, and other workers walked off the job after the company continued to violate federal laws.
“This is a great day for our Dalton School bus members,” said Local 1212 President/Business Agent Lakecha Strickland. “This strike showed the power of fighting for our rights. This was one of the first strikes in Dalton, GA, in decades, and our members stood strong and united. We are thankful for the outpouring of support from our parents, teachers, and the Georgia AFL-CIO.”
First Student is a longstanding contractor for Dalton Public Schools. The new 3-year contract includes substantial wage increases, their first-ever paid vacation days, a retention bonus, a new strong grievance procedure, a better seniority system, and other improvements.
“I am proud of our Dalton School Bus members and the solidarity, resolve, and unity they showed on the picket lines,” said ATU International President John Costa. “The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of these workers to safely transport their students to and from school and other school activities.”