Bus Drivers Secure Immediate Protections Under Teamsters National Master Agreement

SAN LEANDRO, Calif., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers at First Student in San Leandro have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 853. The 40 new Teamsters provide student transportation for San Leandro Unified School District and San Lorenzo Unified School District.

"Congratulations to our newest brothers and sisters who are fighting to get what they deserve," said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853. "These drivers ensure that our kids get to and from school safely. They ought to be treated with respect and they deserve a fair contract that reflects their importance within the community."

The workers are now covered under the Teamsters First Student National Master Agreement, the largest collective bargaining agreement at any private school bus company in the United States.

"I voted to join the Teamsters because I wanted to be part of a union that addresses concerns and advocates for a better future for all of us," said Vanessa Bumbrico, bus operator at First Student and new member of Teamsters Local 853. "This victory will help us to secure improved pay, health insurance, paid days off — the list goes on."

Teamsters Local 853 represents 13,000 members at more than 300 employers across the Greater Bay Area, up to the Oregon border, down the Central Coast, and out towards Sacramento. For more information, visit teamsters853.org.

Contact: 
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
LMelentijevic@teamster.org 

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters