No agreement yet for Durham Bus Service drivers, attendants for Mat-Su schools

After several days of negotiating, there is still no agreement between Durham Bus Services and the drivers, monitors, and attendants for the company.

During the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) school board meeting on Wednesday, over 40 employees flacked in yellow jackets or safety vests came out as a show of support for the Mat-Su bus drivers and the Teamsters Local 959, the union that represents the drivers and staff.

Speaking for the group, Business Agent Kelsey Taylor spoke to the board to share an update.

“Durham and the Teamsters met yesterday and today, and an agreement has not been reached. The Teamsters want to thank the community for their continued outpouring of support for the workers,” he said.

MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani told the meeting attendees during his update that for now, MSBSD is still operating that they (Durham) will get something hammered out and expects a return to full service at the end of the month.

Earlier this month, teamsters representing the Mat-Su Borough bus drivers voted to approve an authorization to strike by 98% if contract negotiations fail. The biggest concerns remain student and staff safety, namely issues with heating and defrost systems within the busses and lack of power to the electrical systems to plug the busses in overnight.

MSBSD school board member Ted Swanson commented later during the meeting that while MSBSD has a 10-year contract with Durham, the district doesn’t seem to have any input.

“We’re locked in a 10-year contract. They (Durham) get to take money, but we don’t have any say in safety? Durham is failing to create a safe environment and failing to streamline maintenance.”

“The authority defined in the contract is with Durham. We expect Durham to fulfill contract requirements,” said Dr. Trani.

While there is a tentative meeting proposed for the end of January, nothing firm has been set yet. Meanwhile, services will continue as normal.

“We are eager to continue serving our kids and families and it is our hope that Durham sees the value of what we do,” said Taylor.