Updated Tuesday, Oct. 14 to include a statement from Everett Public Schools.
EVERETT, OCT. 13: Unionized bus drivers serving the Everett Public Schools (EPS) district said a strike could be “imminent” if demands aren’t met in contract negotiations with Durham Bus Services (DBS).
The Teamsters Local 38, comprising 175 school bus drivers, has been negotiating with external provider Durham Bus Services since the last contract expired in July. EPS contracts DBS to provide student transportation and bus drivers to the district. The dispute is between the union workers and DBS.
“I want to make it really clear that it’s not us that want to strike because we never do. It is clearly the company that wants to put a strike upon themselves by their conduct at the table,” Pete Lamb, President of Teamsters Local 38, said.
However, DBS Communications Manager Anna Lam says that the company has been bargaining in good faith.
“Over the last few months, we have been bargaining in good faith to settle the labor agreement between our company employees and the Teamsters, and are deeply disappointed by their decision to potentially strike and risk disrupting the new school year for many students,” Lam wrote in an email.
EPS said in a statement that the district remains in regular communication with both Durham and the drivers’ union representatives and are hopeful an agreement will be met soon. However, EPS encourages families to discuss alternative transportation to school.
“While the district has not been informed of a specific date when transportation services could be disrupted, we encourage families to discuss alternate transportation options should they be needed,” EPS wrote.
This is the third contract that the union has negotiated with DBS. The union is asking for an increase in wages, healthcare, job security and retirement benefits, Lamb said.
The increase in wages is requested to meet industry standards, Lamb said, and match benefit changes that go into effect in 2027 at the state level.
“During our ongoing negotiations, we have offered competitive market wages and a benefits package that we believe is not only fair and compelling but also allows us to meet our responsibilities to all parties involved, including the employees, the school district, and the students and their parents,” Lam wrote.
The next negotiation is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15. The union held an informational picket on Tuesday, Oct. 7, to spread word about the potential strike.
“We could have gone on strike August 1. We could have gone on strike on Labor Day. We could have gone on strike before school started. We chose not to because we take our responsibility very seriously and because these bus drivers love the kids,” Lamb said.
