Teamsters, Labor and Community Supporters Stage Rally for Baumann Bus Workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-labor-and-community-supporters-stage-rally-for-baumann-bus-workers-64667257.html

Hundreds Call for Respect for School Bus Workers on Long Island

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa pledged his support for the more than 1,700 Long Island school bus workers who are fighting for respect at Baumann Bus at a rally today.

The workers, who filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on October 5, are organizing with the Teamsters to gain respect, fair and equal treatment on the job and affordable health care.

"Every single one of you deserves to be respected in the workplace, and I'm here to tell you that the Teamsters Union is going to be your partner in this fight," Hoffa said. "We are here to tell the company that it is time recognize the valuable work their workers do."

Hundreds of Baumann workers rallied for respect with Hoffa and prominent political and community leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Rep. Steve Israel (D, 2nd); Leg. Bill Lindsay (Suffolk County, 8th( )Dist.); Leg. Kate Browning (Suffolk County, 3rd Dist.); Leg. David Mejias (Nassau County); and John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor.

Several drivers, driver assistants and mechanics addressed the crowd at the rally, demanding respect from their employer, Ronald Baumann. Baumann who owns the four transportation companies -- Baumann & Sons, Acme Bus, Alert Coach and Brookset Bus -- where workers are organizing with Teamsters Local 1205.

FULL story at link.

[clear eye]

1. Hmm. Self-declared "blue-dog" Steve Israel at a labor rally.

Strange.