JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some Duval County Public Schools students could face bus service impacts when school starts Monday as contract negotiations between Durham School Services and its drivers’ union continue.
Duval County Public Schools sent a message to families Friday, warning that students in the Southside and Mandarin areas served by Durham School Services could be affected.
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“Negotiations are continuing today, and we expect to have additional information this afternoon,” the district said in the communication. “We will provide another update as soon as we know more.”
Parents were told to check their child’s transportation provider in the Focus student information system. If it is listed as “Durham Southside,” their student’s bus service may be impacted.
News4JAX contacted school board members Cindy Pearson and Melody Bolduc, who represent the affected areas.
Pearson said she has been in contact with Superintendent Christopher Bernier and is offering to help the transportation department in any way she can. Bolduc said she is hopeful negotiations will be completed, but added the district is considering options for how students will get to school Monday if they are not.
Strike authorization vote
Teamsters Local 512, which represents 275 Durham School Services school bus workers in Jacksonville, announced this week that its members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if the company fails to negotiate what the union calls a fair collective bargaining agreement.
“Our members have spoken with one voice,” said Rebecca Cardona, president of Local 512. “This vote sends a clear message that our members will not stand by while the company attempts to strip away the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that generations of workers fought to achieve. Our members deserve respect, and they deserve a contract that recognizes the vital work they perform each and every day.”
The union said it has been negotiating with Durham for weeks but claims the company “has proposed sweeping concessions that would undermine the rights, protections, and standards established through decades of collective bargaining.”
Both sides still at the table
Both Durham School Services and Teamsters Local 512 told News4JAX Friday that negotiations are continuing — a potentially encouraging sign with the school year set to begin Monday.
Durham pushed back on the union’s characterization of talks earlier this week, but reiterated Friday that it remains committed to reaching a deal.
“The statement from the Teamsters is surprising and a bit perplexing, given that good-faith negotiations have been ongoing since late June, including [Tuesday], with progress being made,” a Durham spokesperson said. “The company remains committed to reaching a fair resolution and is working diligently to avoid any disruption to service. Meetings with the Teamsters will continue in order to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the start of school.”
As of Friday, Durham told News4JAX it continues to negotiate in good faith and hopes to reach a deal. The Teamsters also confirmed Friday that negotiations are ongoing.
One veteran driver said the stakes are personal.
“This company has had every chance to do the right thing and recognize our hard work,” said Katina Stewart, a 19-year bus driver and member of Local 512. “We love our jobs and take pride in safely getting Jacksonville’s students where they need to go every day. We do work this community depends on, and our contract should reflect that.”
Extension, court action possible
The union said it is preparing to take Durham to court over what it describes as “unfair labor practices” under the National Labor Relations Act.
Earlier this week, Duval County Public Schools said it understood that Durham and the union had reached a signed extension agreement, with staff conducting test routes as scheduled. However, a union representative told News4JAX the only extension reached runs through Friday, and that no official agreement has been made.
Duval County students are set to return to class Monday, Aug. 10.