First Student

Business Agent

Scott Lecy

Contract Negotiations

2/13/2012

This year (2012) we have the opportunity to negotiate and improve on the Collective Bargaining Agreements at each of the Teamster First Student locations. It has been a growing process over the past few years as we have provided wage increases, benefit improvements and protective language. Last year a National Agreement was ratified and we continue to build for the future.

As we prepare for negotiations this summer we need to hear from the membership. We will hold meetings to elect negotiating committees, discuss proposals, and identify what needs to be improved in the...

UNEMPLOYMENT LETTERS

2/07/2012

First Student bus drivers & aides know that in most situations they do not qualify for unemployment compensation thru the State of Minnesota during the summer months. This is because of a state law and not normally because First Student is contesting your unemployment claim. I have been telling members since last spring that we would provide a letter for members to send to their elected representatives that identifies the unfairness in this law. Many of you have likely already received or seen a copy of these letters however if you have not then you can simply...

Politics is Back!!!

2/03/2012

As much as we all cringe when political ads start taking over our airwaves, Their Back. We all get sick of seeing this nonsense pretty quickly; however, We must protect our own interests. If we are going to protect what we have and build on it we need to STOP the War on Workers.

For School Bus drivers it starts with the State of Minnesota’s law regarding unemployment compensation The fact that Bus drivers and aides are not able to collect this benefit during the summer months when no work is available is ridiculous. We have put together a letter for our members to copy...

Happy New Year!!!

1/12/2012

Happy New Year, 2012 is here and we will look to build on the gains we have accomplished in 2011. The National Agreement was overwhelmingly approved and many Local worksite issues were addressed. Soon we will be preparing for negotiations on Local Agreements as well. Watch this website for contract surveys with a proposal form and updated information.

As you may know language in the National Agreement calls for a Joint National Grievance Review Committee. Local 638 has three (3) outstanding grievances that are scheduled to be heard at this panel in early February. The...

Blaine's Bursting

12/12/2011

Is it possible that over three months of this school year are already behind us?

A number of things have already happened at First Student this year, the most recent being the closing of the Snelling location. The St Paul Routes have moved to the Oakdale location, and the Minneapolis Routes and Charters have moved to the Blaine location. This is positive news for the Blaine garage, which had previously operated with only a skeleton crew. Now the facility is challenged with an overload of employees. Welcome aboard to the new Blaine & Local 638 members.

...

Teamsters at First Student Prevail

10/17/2011

At First Student locations we continue to address members concerns. There has been nearly a year long dispute regarding how the employer has administered their “charter rotation” list. There was a grievance filed and arbitration scheduled for this issue in late September. Shortly before the arbitration took place, Roger Jensen, Local 638’s legal counsel successfully negotiated a settlement. This settlement not only benefited one member with significant back-pay, it also benefited the rest of the members so they will now have the opportunity to bid on open runs when their turn comes up....

Welcome Back!!!

9/15/2011

Welcome back Bus Drivers,

We hope you all enjoyed your summer and are looking forward to transporting your students again this year. Even though the regular school year was done for the summer some of you were still working in various capacities for your employer. First Student kept us busy at the Teamsters office as well.

There were many successful outcomes the Teamsters had in situations with First Student last year but there is defiantly still work to be done. You all know that better than anyone. Following an arbitration hearing at the end of last school year...

Tough Times This Summer? Teamsters Food Shelf Can Help

6/14/2011

The school year is over. For some, that's a good thing. You are able to enjoy your summer activities, spend time with your family, attend your kids' events, travel and even have some free time to spare.

For others, the end of the school year isn't a good thing - especially when there is no income and/or you have children to feed. Keep the Teamsters Food Shelf in mind if this applies to you. Your Local contributes generously to the Food Shelf; so in the tradition of "Teamsters Helping Teamsters," please use it. The Shelf is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m....

Support National Agreement

5/16/2011

By now you should have all received an information packet with the Tentative National Agreement, highlights, ballot, secret envelope and return envelope. If you were at one of the meetings held to review this National Agreement you should have a good idea of what is included in this packet. If you could not make it to one of the meetings and have any questions feel free to call me at 612-379-1533. We encourage you to vote YES in this election, as there really is not any reason to vote yes.

CONGRATULATIONS BROOKLYN PARK. That was an overwhelming victory and you sent a...

Welcome to Your First Student Page!

4/18/2011

Hello First Student Members:

Welcome to YOUR page on the new Teamsters Local 638 website. This page will be used for communications to you on current events in and around First Student. We will cover local & national issues and keep you informed about what is going on with your employer, your co-workers, and your union, locally and around the country.

Recently your shop stewards and committee members sacrificed a full Saturday to participate in a Teamsters Local 638 Steward Seminar. They were able to listen and be involved in discussions regarding Health Insurance and...