Durham, Teamsters fail to reach agreement; school bus drivers vote to authorize strike

Nearly three years after bus drivers contracted through Durham School Services for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) went on strike, bus drivers have again voted to authorize a strike. This while negotiations failed to reach an agreement on January 16.

Officials with the Teamsters Local 959, which represents the bus drivers, says Durham has continually cancelled negotiations or left meetings without any progress, and has yet to announce when they will be available to meet again for another round of negotiations. Meanwhile, they state that the Teamsters bargaining committee stands ready to continue meeting in order to avoid a work stoppage.

Both sides have been in negotiations since June, 2025 with Durham refusing to address many issues that, according to a press release from Teamsters would lead to “a more reliable, efficient, and safer Mat-Su bussing system.”

“When you see strike authorization votes pass by margins like this, it shows the solidarity of the employees and a group that is motivated to have better working conditions,” said Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer Gary Dixon.

Rick Morgan, President of the Classified Employees' Association says he is deeply disappointed by Durham School Services’ decision to walk away from the bargaining table and allow negotiations with Mat-Su school bus drivers to conclude without an agreement.

“When a company cancels meetings, delays negotiations, or simply refuses to engage, it sends a clear message — and it’s not one of good faith. Durham’s choice to step away from the table puts unnecessary strain on workers, families, and the entire school transportation system.”

Morgan says that drivers are ready to negotiate, but the ball is in Durham’s court. “This isn’t about brinkmanship or posturing. It’s about accountability…What’s missing is a willingness from Durham to stay at the table and do the work required to reach a fair, meaningful agreement.” He says Durham needs to return to the bargaining table now and not delay until public pressure mounts, and come to an agreement the right way.

“A strong contract means safer routes, experienced drivers, and reliable service for students and families across the Mat-Su Valley. Walking away only undermines that goal.”

Morgan says he spent 20 years as a school bus driver and a driver trainer in the Mat-Su Valley, and knows how demanding the job can be—long hours, split shifts, high responsibility, and a commitment to student safety--and that what the drivers are asking for is simple. “Drivers don’t ask for the world. They ask for respect, stability, and a contract that reflects the importance of the work they do.”

In February, 2023 bus drivers walked off the job after failing to reaching an agreement over ongoing bus safety issues, failure to recruit and retain needed school bus drivers and staff, and lack of safe facilities in the bus yard. They remained on strike for a month before reaching an agreement.

“We have been here before. During the last bus drivers’ strike, the Classified Employees Association walked the line alongside Teamsters Local 959. We stood with the drivers then, and we stand with them now,” says Morgan.

Durham provides bus services in 32 states with over 16,000 employees, providing service to over 1,000,000 students, according to their website. Phone calls to the Durham Bus Yard in Wasilla were not returned as of this publication.

Teamsters are encouraging members of the public to reach out to the MSBSD officials and school board to ask Durham to return to the bargaining table.

School bussing services will continue until further notice.