Fairbanks school bus drivers agree to new labor contract

FAIRBANKS - School bus drivers in Fairbanks have agreed to a new labor contract, averting a potential strike.

Negotiations between drivers, mechanics and bus monitors began nine months ago with First Student, the company that provides bus transportation for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

Teamsters Local 959 President Rick Boyles says contract disagreements centered on a number of issues, including wages, health benefits and paid time off.

Mechanics will receive a 2 percent pay increase under the new contract while drivers will get a 30-cent hourly pay raise retroactive to Aug. 1.