SEATTLE — Approximately 300 Seattle school bus drivers employed by Zum Transportation have authorized a strike amid ongoing negotiations about retirement benefits.
A union representative for Teamsters Local 174 stated they will give one day’s notice before taking action, though no strike date has been set.
The dispute centers on driver retirement contributions, with workers seeking to participate in a multi-employer pension plan rather than individual retirement accounts.
Seattle Public Schools reported that it does not expect service disruptions and has developed a contingency plan in case of a walkout.
Zum Transportation, which employs the drivers, stated that its proposal provides drivers with more autonomy over their retirement funds.
The statement said, in part “…giving drivers greater flexibility, control and choice over their retirement benefits. The union now is seeking to re-direct those contributions to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan. We believe our drivers should retain control over their retirement benefits,” according to Zum.
The union argues that Washington state law mandates contract drivers receive the same benefits as district-employed drivers, with the state covering any additional costs.
Jamie Fleming, spokesperson for Teamsters Local 174, noted that the change would not impact company finances.
“This isn’t even a question of money because the money is coming from the state, so there’s really no cost difference between giving the workers the plan that they want and not giving the workers the plan that they want,” Fleming said.
Zum sent several statements to KIRO 7 but did not directly address state funding coverage or cost differences in its statements.
Parents are preparing for potential disruptions to their daily routines.
Reggie Rayford, a local parent, described the potential loss of bus service as “a hassle” while expressing understanding for the drivers’ position and the plight of parents who may have to find alternatives.
“You got time schedules, go to work, drop your kids off, pick them up, and yeah, I get it, they’re thinking about their future. You want a nest egg, so to speak,” Rayford said.
Kathleen Tillis, another parent, expressed concern about the potential impact on families who live farther away and the severe congestion around school zones.
“It’s scary, yes,” Tillis said, noting that weather conditions could make commutes harder for families.
“Especially for the ones who live further off especially with the rain and the weather and stuff it would be hard for them to get the kids here,” Tillis said, adding that “It would be traffic jams around here -- this is already crazy!”
Fleming did say that a meeting between Teamsters Local 174 and Zum is scheduled for Monday to continue discussions.