By SUZANNE DOWNING
April 30, 2026 – Teamsters Local 959 announced Wednesday that it has reached a preliminary contract agreement with Durham School Services, the company that provides bus transportation for the Mat-Su Borough School District. The deal, if ratified by union members, would end the ongoing strike by school bus workers.
According to the union, the agreement will be presented to union members for a vote in the coming days. If approved, bus service could resume as early as Monday, May 4.
The strike has left many families scrambling to find alternative transportation for students, placing added pressure on households throughout the region. The union acknowledged that impact in its announcement, thanking Mat-Su families for their patience during the work stoppage.
Details of the agreement have not yet been fully released, but Teamsters officials said the contract addresses key issues including healthcare and medical screening provisions, as well as professional development and training for drivers. The union also emphasized that the agreement is expected to improve safety and accountability in school bus operations.
Union leaders said the contract would lead to improvements in procedures, training, and workplace culture, which they argue will ultimately benefit students and families relying on the district’s transportation system.
The strike has highlighted ongoing tensions over working conditions and compensation in school transportation services, an issue that has surfaced in multiple districts nationwide in recent years.
A final decision now rests with union members, whose ratification vote will determine whether buses return to the roads next week. Teamsters Local 959 said it will issue an additional update following the vote, including confirmation of when service will resume.
One thought on “Teamsters say they have a tentative agreement to end Mat-Su school bus strike”
“If approved, bus service could resume as early as Monday, May 4.”
To hell with that, throw Durham’s contract in the trash due to non-compliance and lack of performance. Tell them to get stuffed, put the contract out to bid for next school year, union contractors need not apply.