Teamsters ratify agreement; school bus routes expected to resume Monday

A month after Mat-Su Borough school bus drivers walked off the job, the Teamsters voted earlier Sunday to ratify an agreement that had been reached on Friday.

In a statement released by Patrick FitzGerald, the 3-year proposal was ratified by a majority of the Teamsters who have been on strike since the end of January.

“The contract includes strong job protections and overall economic improvements, and tools to address safety issues at the workplace,” the statement said.

There were no other details about the agreement available.

Durham and Teamsters Local 959 went back to the negotiating table Thursday, and at one point, Patrick FitzGerald, representing the Teamsters said he was optimistic that something could happen as neither side had walked away after a few hours of negotiating.

The statement also said that school bus drivers are eager to get back to work, resuming their regular schedules on Monday, March 6.

In a previous statement released by both Durham and the Teamsters after a tentative agreement had been reached, the union members said they were looking forward to returning to work and providing school bus services for the Mat-Su Valley.

“Durham School Services team members are eager to provide full-service bussing to the Mat-Su Valley for the remainder of the school year and future years to come.”

On Friday, Matanuska Susitna District School Boards Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani released a statement thanking everyone for their patience as the strike loomed on, causing major disruptions to families across the district.

“Once the agreement is ratified, Durham will be able to assess how many drivers are returning to work which will determine the level of service will be able to provide families and on what timeline.”

During the MSBSD School Board meeting on March 1, Dr. Trani told members of the strike’s impact on current student attendance, which has fallen by over 700 students, telling the board that there is a 65% increase in absences compared to last year. “This significant impact is because of the strike, I am certain of it.”

The District expects to provide an update to families on this week outlining service expectations for the week.

Meanwhile, Teamsters Representative FitzGerald said an official statement will be made later this week.