Bus drivers in three Southern California school districts have agreed to end a two-week strike over what they say are poor working conditions and concerns for student safety.
The Los Angeles Daily News reports that Teamsters Local 572, which represents drivers in the Alhambra, Glendale and Pasadena Unified districts, has reached an agreement with First Student, the bus company that provides student transportation for those schools.
The drivers have been on strike since Jan.18.
First Student spokesman Jay Brock said he couldn’t comment on the details of the agreement, but union president Dennis Watson says First Student has agreed to address many of the safety concerns that bus drivers cited
One of the concerns is broken equipment that could affect students’ safety.
A driver, James Motty, said he has reported broken equipment numerous times, but was directed to drive the bus anyway.
A Pasadena Unified spokeswoman says most of the drivers serving the district are expected to return to work Thursday.
During the strike, the Alhambra district contracted with other companies and paid overtime to employees who were licensed to transport students. The Glendale and Pasadena districts asked parents to find other ways to get their kids to school during the strike.
