Grants Pass First Student School Bus Drivers & Monitors Opposed To The Teamsters Union

Grants Pass First Student Drivers Against Representation (or lack there of) by the Teamsters Union



 
I Work For Another First Student Branch.
Can You Help Us Get Rid Of The Teamsters?

   You need to understand that it is much easier to do your homework about the downside of "Union Representation" and educate your co-workers prior to any election giving a labor organization (in this case the International Brotherhood of Teamsters) the right to negotiate a contract covering your pay, working conditions, and disciplinary actions within your First Student Branch.

   Once the Teamsters win the right to represent your "Branch" there is nothing you can do about it for at least one (1) calendar year, and if they are successful in negotiating a contract in that time, there is nothing you can do to get the Teamsters out for another three (3) years as I read the National Labor Relation Boards (NLRB) regulations.

   With the above information in mind, you should do everything you can "Using Factual Information" obtained from neighboring First Student Branches that have union contracts, to show your co-workers that promises made during union organizing campaign are rarely if ever obtained in the final contract.

   I suggest whenever possible, that you get a copy of all existing union contracts from neighboring branches so you can show your co-workers exactly what, if anything the Teamsters have negotiated for those branches. Even with documented facts in hand, you need to be aware that you'll be fighting an uphill battle to educate your colleagues as once the Teamsters pollute the minds of your coworkers, just like the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, it can take years to reverse the effect.

That Said!

   If you wish to proceed with your efforts to keep the Teamsters out of your branch (or need to have a decertification election to remove them) and feel you need assistance, I'll be happy to talk with you to give you an overview of how you may wish to proceed.

   However!!! Since First Student - Grants Pass, Oregon is still in the middle of the "Union Decertification Process" initiated by myself (Alan Miller) the editor/publisher of this web site, and the Teamsters are doing their best to intimidate me and my coworkers who share the same views; I'll need to verify what "Branch" you work for, and that you are a current First Student Employee, before discussing specific detailed information not already included on this web site,

   While I'm willing to assist you, I live on the West Coast (Pacific Time Zone) and as a "Field Trip Driver" my hours are not standard 6 to 5, so you'll need to take that into consideration, as my time will only allow for telephone communication.

   So, if the Teamsters have already got the right to negotiate on your behalf and you want them out, you can initiate a "Decertification Election" which if successful will remove the Teamsters from your location for a minimum of one year.

   The "Decertification Election" can be an expensive process depending on where the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is in relation to your location. My personal "out of pocket" expenses to date (I started this process in November 2010) has been around $850.00 which doesn't include personal days off work to meet NLRB deadlines, election dates, and at some point in the future, hearing dates, and time researching, writing necessary documents, meetings with other employees, time spent spreading the word to coworkers, and last but not least the time spent creating this web site to get the facts out!

   Of course, much of the latter will not be necessary on your part since I've already done the research for you and have the format of the forms and signature cards you'll need to get signed by others in your branch with your same views. All I have to do is make the "Branch Name & Contact Information Changes" and send you a .pdf file for printing.

   The "Petition for Decertification Election" can only be initiated by one person or small group of the "Bargaining Unit" (employees covered by the union contract). First Student can not assist your efforts in any way, shape, or form, as it is illegal for them to do so.

   This is just an initial overview of the process so you know what you are up against! You can also visit the NLRB Web Site to see a flow chart of how things work. I'll provide additional information here at a later date, until then, if you need assistance visit our "Contact Us" page to contact me.

 

Thanks for asking! Alan Miller

Just Go Away!
Copyright 2010 - 2011 Alan Miller & a Coalition of Grants Pass First Student Bus Drivers & Monitors opposing representation by Teamsters Union Local #962
Use by other First Student Branches wishing to block representation by the Teamsters Union is encouraged and will be granted upon written request.