On Friday, August 22, 2008, Palmer school bus drivers employed by First Student ratified their very first contract with a unanimous vote.  Although these drivers had formed an independent association several years ago, they found that belonging to a large union offered much more bargaining table strength and resources than they could muster by themselves.   UFCW Local 1459 Secretary-Treasurer Dan Clifford, working with stewards Lisa Arnold and Tracey Povosky, negotiated a fine first contract, with wage and benefit increases along with many working condition protections.

Similar to our school bus drivers in many of the smaller communities in western Massachusetts, Palmer school bus drivers are without prevailing wage protections.  This did not stop a concerted effort by both the drivers and Local 1459 leadership from securing their very first union contract.

Palmer school bus drivers join many other municipal employees working for the town of Palmer as members of UFCW Local 1459.  Congratulations and welcome to Local 1459!