Altoona Bus Drivers Survive Privatization
Source: Council 13, Public Employee Press, Vol. 35 no. 6, November/December 2006
When the Altoona Area School District announced plans to privatize its transportation services over the summer, the members of Local 2952 feared the worst. But good contract language, solid labor-management skills, and tough negotiations saved the jobs and preserved most benefits of more than 40 members.
"It's a major accomplishment," said Staff Representative Ted Manna. The five-year contract with Student Transportation of America, which members approved in a 39-to-2 vote on July 17th, provides the same base pay as the previous contract, plus annual increases.
Nearly all of the workers' previous benefits were maintained. In addition, members of 2952 will receive a new longevity pay benefit.