Many APS bus drivers, attendants set to unionize

Many of Albuquerque Public Schools’ bus drivers and attendants could be unionized by December.

The American Federation of TeachersNew Mexico has advocated for the union over the past month. Last week, the APS Board of Education unanimously approved a timeline for the process.

AFT-NM still has to meet a number of requirements, including a “card check” to demonstrate that at least 60 percent of the 234 eligible drivers and attendants have signed union cards.

Wendy York, a retired 2nd Judicial District judge, will verify whether the threshold has been met, then the APS board can vote to allow the workers to organize.

APS board President Dave Peercy said he hopes the board can sign off during its Dec. 15 meeting.

Stephanie Ly, AFT-NM president, told the Journal that more than 60 percent of the eligible drivers and attendants have already supported the union, so the process should go smoothly.

“I give Dr. Peercy a lot of credit because he has had to deal with a lot of phone calls,” Ly said. “We do have a good relationship with the district and the board.”

The union effort has been two years in the making.

In 2015, roughly 230 APS bus drivers and attendants started working directly for the district, rather than private firms, making them eligible to unionize.

APS still contracts with independent bus companies, which provide roughly 300 drivers and 65 attendants. These employees will not be able to join the union.

Ly said she is receiving daily calls from APS transportation workers who are eager to take part in the union.

In October, dozens of bus drivers and attendances pushed for the “card check” during the public comment period at two board meetings.

AFT-NM has helped unionize transportation workers in a number of other New Mexico districts. Teachers, educational assistants, secretaries and maintenance workers are also organized.

“When employees decide they want a union, they want a voice in the workplace,” Ly said.