First Student Teamsters working under the National Master Agreement have voted by 88% to authorize a strike as the company demands givebacks. The contract expires on March 31st.

First Student Teamsters work under hundreds of local contracts. But they all are covered by a National Master Agreement that sets minimum standards across the company.

The National Negotiation Committee has been bargaining to set higher standards on guaranteed hours, increasing the minimum number of paid days off, mandatory company contributions to retirement, and healthcare improvements to offset rising costs.

TAs with stronger subcontracting protections and protections on video and audio surveillance were reached last week.

On March 12, the Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee (TSFNNC) walked out of negotiations when the company introduced proposals to reduce guaranteed hours and undercut local agreements. 

Only two days of scheduled negotiations remain for the company to come back to the table and bargain in good faith.

“If the company fails to reach a fair agreement members may be called to take necessary action to gain a strong contract, including participating in a strike,” the negotiating committee said in a statement.