Mat-Su school bus strike continues as negotiations with Durham stall

Negotiations this week between Durham School Services (DSS) and Teamsters Local 959 representing school bus drivers stalled out this week following two days of scheduled talks. According to the union, DSS’s negotiation team turned down a request to extend negotiations and stay at least until the end of the week, opting to return to the lower 48.

“Despite having a federal mediator available for the last three weeks, Durham has not been able to dedicate additional time or extend agreed dates to negotiate, reflecting their lack of dedication to the community,” Teamsters 959 said in a statement, adding that DSS did agree to meet on March 26 virtually.

Meanwhile, DSS said in a statement that they met in good faith and demonstrated flexibility and repeatedly worked to close the gap, and while some items were resolved, an overall agreement had not been reached.

“Durham School Services remains firmly committed to reaching a responsible, sustainable agreement and restoring safe, reliable transportation services for Wasilla students and families.” DSS says it will continue bargaining while evaluating “all options to protect the community’s access to essential transportation.”

The Teamsters had asked the federal mediator to extend his time here in Alaska, but DSS had already stated they intended to leave after the second scheduled day of talks. “They have no interest to continue the conversation and coming to an agreement,” said Patrick FitzGerald, coordinator with Teamsters Local 959, from the picket line on Wednesday. “It’s pretty tough. It’s like a kick to the stomach every time we try to make any progress.”

Neither side divulged where exactly the divide remains. The union remains concerned about fleet maintenance, citing issues such as brake inspection failures while DSS has canceled healthcare for the striking drivers.

With the impasse reaching a third week, striking drivers found solidarity on the picket line as members from painters, laborers, electricians, and carpenters unions, among others, came out to support. FitzGerald stated that the event facilitated valuable discussions about the strike's progress and the reasons behind the impasse. “We had a great act of solidarity on the picket line,” said FitzGerald.

“Teamsters Local 959 understands the toll this strike is taking on the community and are working hard to get Durham to agree to more dates to negotiate and come to an agreement.”