School bus drivers, monitors, and attendants in the Mat-Su vote to authorize strike

In the midst of a contract dispute, school bus drivers, attendants, and monitors in the Mat-Su have authorized a strike, according to Teamsters Local 959.

A statement from the Teamsters cites “flippant negotiation tactics” by Durham School Services in the attempt to reach a new contract.  Durham holds the contract from the Mat-Su Borough School District for bussing services.

Staffing for buses has already proven challenging this academic year, with schools in the southern portions of the Mat-Su using a rolling schedule of bus route cancelations due to a lack of staffing.

According to the Teamsters, ninety-eight percent of its members involved in the contract dispute voted in favor of authorizing a strike. A strike authorization does not mean there is currently an active work stoppage.  The Teamsters’ statement says negotiations with Durham are expected to continue through this week.