Unit 5 Bus Drivers and First Student at impasse in contract negotiations

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) –The clock is ticking for a national bus company to get a deal done that impacts bus drivers and bus monitors in Unit 5.

At Wednesday's school board meeting , Steven Dean, vice-president for the union representing the bus drivers and bus monitors, gave an update on their contract negotiations with First Student.

During public comment portion of the meeting, he said they have gotten to the point where they feel like they aren't getting anywhere and would be taking steps.

The contract ended July 31. According to Dean, the union started their process in January telling First Student they were ready to begin negotiations in April. He said First Student did not meet with them until June 20.

Dean also said there were five meetings in total with First Student asking for a 60-day extension at the conclusion of the last meeting held on July 31.

Dean shared conditions concerning paid time off is on the bargaining table.

"They want us to waive our rights to the Illinois state law that gives us a paid time off because we don't have any benefits like that. They want us to waive our rights to that and submit a whole nother policy. And then that policy says they can change it or delete it at any time."

First Student released the following statement:

It's unclear what steps the bus drivers and monitors will take if they do not reach and agreement soon.