Union representative with Teamsters Local 783 Steven Fightmaster took the message directly to the podium at Monday night's school board meeting.
"They want the respect, stability, and representation that comes along with being a Teamster. And most importantly, they want a legally binding contract, something that can protect what they have, give them a seat at the table, and keep them from being left behind," he said.
Fightmaster said transportation workers are often the first to see cuts and asked to do more with less. He said workers reached out to the Teamsters and the group did not seek out drivers in a bid to organize. The employees in question have reached out to Superintendent Bradford regarding their concerns and claim to have majority support among the unit seeking to join.
Pressed for a response, Bradford stopped short of making any promises or ruling out further meetings on the matter. Instead, he stressed systems, he said, are already in place in the district.
"We offer substantial insurance, retirement benefits, and then other financial securities for our employees where we feel like we're innately equipped to be able to support their needs internally," Bradford said. "We have a robust cultural support system in Fayette County Public Schools, and so we're going to continue to utilize our internal capital to make progress with all of our employee groups."
The demands are not a first, as teachers groups have also sought to obtain collective bargaining agreements with the district.