First Student mechanics in Glen Ellyn, IL and Maywood, IL voted overwhelmingly to join Mechanics Local 701 recently bringing 13 new members into the IAM family. These mechanics work in bus maintenance helping to secure our most precious cargo, our children.
According to Local 701 Business Representative Armando Arreola our new members worked for Laidlaw previously and the firm was bought out by First Student. Arreola said, "The mechanics at First Student don't like changes being implemented by their new employer."
Arreola proudly continued saying, "Our organizing efforts at First Student seem to be snowballing as more and more potential members hear of the good contracts we are negotiating at other locations. They are interested in our Health & Welfare package, Pension program and they are looking for better wages and working conditions."
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber praised Mechanics Local 701 saying, "The organizing efforts at Mechanics Local 701 are continuous and we thank Directing Business Representative Dennis Jawor, Business Representative Armando Arreola, and the rest of the Local 701 staff for their hard work and dedication. We welcome our new members into the IAM family."
