Vermont Teamsters Unanimously Ratify Contract at Travel Kuz

Bus Drivers and Monitors Win Increased Wages, Benefits, and Picket Line Protections

(BRATTLEBORO, Vt.) - Teamsters Local 597 bus drivers and monitors voted unanimously to ratify a new five-year agreement at Travel Kuz, a subsidiary of Beacon Mobility. The new contract delivers increased wages, stronger retirement and health care benefits, and key picket line protection language.

"This group has been put through a lot by the company, yet they stood strong throughout, and now they finally have a deal they deserve," said Curtis Clough, President of Local 597. "It was a hard-fought battle, and I couldn't be prouder of our members. Perseverance pays off and this contract is a testament to solidarity."

This win comes after months of bargaining and a company-initiated lockout that kept workers away from their jobs for 12 days last month. Workers will gain an increase of over 20 percent in wages, as well as increased longevity and attendance bonuses for drivers.

"This was not an easy fight, and it only goes to show that when Teamsters stand united there is nothing that can stop us from getting the contracts we deserve," said Bobby Powers, a bus driver and member of Local 597. "I'm glad we can go back to doing what we love."

Chartered in 1939, Teamsters Local 597 represents workers in trades such as small package, fuel and freight delivery, dairy processing, warehousing, security, policing, school and public busing, dispatching, hardware sales, laboratory tech, and maintenance. For more information, visit teamsterslocal597.net.

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