SEATTLE — A potential strike by hundreds of Seattle school bus drivers could create transportation challenges for thousands of families if contract negotiations break down.
Teamsters Local 174, which represents drivers employed by transportation company Zum, announced that 300 of its members have authorized a strike. Union leaders say the dispute centers on retirement benefits and accuse the company of refusing to negotiate fairly over the issue.
According to the union, drivers are prepared to walk off the job if an agreement cannot be reached.
Both sides agree retirement contributions should increase, but they remain divided on how those funds should be managed. The union wants the money directed into the Teamsters pension plan, while Zum favors individual retirement accounts for employees.
In a statement to KIRO 7, Zum said it values its drivers and remains committed to reaching a deal through good-faith negotiations.
“The parties are extremely close to an agreement,” the company said, adding that retirement benefits are the only major issue left unresolved.
The dispute comes just weeks after Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association reached a tentative contract agreement, avoiding a teacher strike on the eve of the first day of school.
Zum recently expanded its operations in Seattle and now provides transportation for thousands of students across the district. The company currently operates approximately 280 bus routes for Seattle Public Schools and has hired about 150 additional drivers.
Despite the strike authorization, Seattle Public Schools said it expects bus service to continue for now.
District officials said they do not anticipate immediate disruptions but are preparing contingency plans in the event drivers do go on strike.
In a statement provided to KIRO 7, Teamsters Local 174 said drivers do not want to disrupt service but believe they may have no other option.
“No one wants this strike less than the Zum drivers who know how deep their obligation to the children goes. However, management is giving us little choice in the matter as they continue to stonewall on the subject of a fair retirement,” the union said.
There is currently no strike date set. The last major Seattle-area school bus driver strike occurred in 2018, when drivers represented by Teamsters Local 174 walked off the job during a labor dispute with First Student.
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