School bus workers at First Student Transportation Company’s Joor Road location are unionizing due to concerns over working conditions. Issues cited by staff include inadequate PPE, unguaranteed hours, heavy lifting, and difficulties with parents using personal devices. Nearly 200 workers voted in favor of unionization in just 90 minutes, giving them a voice to negotiate wages, working conditions, and health benefits. First Student provides transportation for Central Community Schools and several Baton Rouge Charter Schools. The next step for union representatives is to begin collective bargaining talks with First Student to avoid a potential strike.
