One of four 12x40 foot murals at the Oakland Coliseum’s main entrances. Painted with Daniel Galvez in 1994.
Unity and solidarity drive First Student workers to join Local 315

School bus drivers vote for union

First Student school bus drivers in Concord voted by an overwhelming 32-3 margin for representation by Teamsters Local 315 in Martinez. The bargaining unit will include 42 drivers in total.

The workers initially came to the union seeking a seniority system and improved route bidding proce- dures, as well as affordable and improved health ben- efits. “We’re just happy now. We needed a voice and job security,” said driver Sylvester Williams.

“This is a very strong showing of support for the union,” said Local 315 Secretary-Treasurer Dale Robbins. “We’re hopeful and optimistic that we can get a contract negotiated and ratified before the driv- ers start bidding for routes and prior to the beginning of the new school year. I am extremely proud of the drivers’ unity and solidarity and for the hard work our organizer, Jim Sveum, devoted to this campaign.”