Student Transportation Workers for Howard County Public Schools Reject Contract
Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(JESSUP, Md.) – Teamsters Local 570 members at Zum Transportation have authorized a strike after voting overwhelmingly to reject the company’s unacceptable last, best, final contract offer. The more than 300 bus drivers, van drivers, trainers, and attendants provide student transportation for Howard County Public Schools.
“Teamsters at Zum are the pillar of the community, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. They deserve to be compensated fairly for it,” said Sean Cedenio, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 570. “Throughout negotiations, we’ve remained committed to reaching a fair and timely first agreement, but the company has failed to deliver for these workers. It’s unacceptable that Howard County and the school board have refused to intervene and ensure our members get the contract they deserve.”
Last month, Local 570 members rallied ahead of contract negotiations and showed a strong, united front. This comes after the group voted by a four-to-one margin to join the Teamsters earlier this year, in order to fight for a contract that reflects the work that they put into their community.
“We voted overwhelmingly against this contract offer because the economics were unacceptable — wages, sick leave, guaranteed hours all fall short,” said George Canida, a Zum bus driver serving on the negotiating committee. “We are prepared to strike because we know we deserve better. We love our jobs and the students we drive, but we need an economics package on par with other bus drivers in Howard County and the surrounding area.”
Teamsters Local 570 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Baltimore and the surrounding communities. For more information, visit team570.org.
Join us in the Solidarity Room at the AFL-CIO Headquarters on Monday, October 6th from 6:00–7:00 PM for a special book event with Cory V. McCray.
In his debut book, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, McCray presents a practical guide on how mentorship, skilled trades, and second chances can open doors and create lasting opportunities. Interwoven with his biography — from growing up in Baltimore to becoming a journeyman electrician and, eventually, serving in the Maryland State Senate — McCray shows how grit and access to the right pathways can transform not only one life but entire communities.
This event will feature an in-depth conversation, a discussion of the book’s themes, and an opportunity for attendees to reflect on how communities can build stronger foundations for the next generation. A book signing will follow the program.
About the Author:Born and raised in Baltimore City, Cory V. McCray is a journeyman electrician whose journey from apprentice to public servant demonstrates the power of skilled trades and second chances. A proud graduate of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers apprenticeship program, McCray has leveraged his training to become a champion for working families and underserved communities. His leadership in the Maryland State Senate has driven over one hundred legislative wins focused on economic empowerment, public safety, and community revitalization. His story has been featured in The Washington Post, MSNBC, and C-SPAN. McCray lives in Baltimore with his family, where he continues to serve as a voice for change.
We are excited to share details about the upcoming 2025 Teamsters Warehouse Conference, where Teamsters from across the country will come together to examine emerging developments, fresh strategies, and proven practices shaping the future of the warehouse industry.
Mark your calendars for November 3-5, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. We invite you to join us for an energizing and impactful conference designed to inform, connect, and empower all who attend. This event will provide a valuable opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and peer engagement as we tackle key issues and opportunities within the warehouse sector.
Additional details regarding workshops and the full agenda will be shared as the event approaches.
.gif)
Paused
We are excited to share details about the upcoming 2025 Teamsters Warehouse Conference, where Teamsters from across the country will come together to examine emerging developments, fresh strategies, and proven practices shaping the future of the warehouse industry. Mark your calendars for November 3-5, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. We invite you to join us for an energizing and impactful conference designed to inform, connect, and empower all who attend. This event will provide a valuable opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and peer engagement as we tackle key issues and opportunities within the warehouse sector. Additional details regarding workshops and the full agenda will be shared as the event approaches.
