Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
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NEA: IDEA is 50 Years Old - And at Risk
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA: IDEA is 50 Years Old -- And at Risk
Pringle: Fifty years ago, with the passage of IDEA, America made a promise to students with disabilities and their families - that they would be able to participate fully in learning and reach their potential.
By Nico Ballon
This week, the National Education Association (NEA) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - the landmark legislation that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA: IDEA is 50 Years Old -- And at Risk
Pringle: Fifty years ago, with the passage of IDEA, America made a promise to students with disabilities and their families - that they would be able to participate fully in learning and reach their potential.
By Nico Ballon
This week, the National Education Association (NEA) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - the landmark legislation that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a freeand appropriate public education.
"Fifty years ago, with the passage of IDEA, America made a promise to students with disabilities and their families - that they would be able to participate fully in learning and reach their potential," said NEA President Becky Pringle.
In the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED), it has cut more than 1,400 employees and proposed that IDEA be managed by the Health and Human Services (HHS) agency, which has no experience protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
"Now more than ever, as the Trump administration attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and erode the hard-won rights of public school students, we must recommit to building schools where inclusion and equity aren't just words but the values that guide everything we do," continued Pringle. "Students with disabilities need education experts. They need people who understand and are trained to help guide, accommodate, and empower them through education. Believing education experts at ED can be replaced with medical experts at HHS is yet another misunderstanding of what our students need and deserve by our woefully underqualified Secretary of Education."
Before IDEA was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on November 29, 1975, many students with disabilities were institutionalized, isolated from their peers, and denied access to public education. Countless students were placed in facilities away from their families with little to no opportunity to learn.
Fifty years ago, Congress changed that by requiring schools to provide equal access to education for all students with disabilities and by offering federal assistance to support necessary accommodations. IDEA also provides safeguards for families and parents of students with disabilities. These legal protections hold schools accountable to administer special education supports and allow parents a clear pathway to grieve when rights are violated. IDEA has transformed what it means to grow up with a disability in America, opening doors to further education, employment, and independence.
"Every student - no matter where they live or whether they have a disability - deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in their neighborhood public school," said Pringle. "They deserve a school with the resources to meet their individual needs."
Today, 95% of students with disabilities attend public schools. In the 2022-2023 school year, 7.5 million students received special education services through public schools - about 15% of all public school students.
"IDEA exists because of families and advocates raising their voices together to affirm that all children deserve an education," Pringle said. "Today, on the 50th anniversary of this landmark legislation, let us once again join our voices to protect the promise of IDEA."
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-idea-50-years-old-and-risk
[Category: Union]
CWA Statement on Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA Statement on the Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.
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The following statement is from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. and CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis
Our hearts are heavy today after the senseless attack on Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Army Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard, who were shot yesterday in Washington D.C.
Staff Sgt. Wolfe is a member of our CWA family from Local 2222
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA Statement on the Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.
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The following statement is from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. and CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis
Our hearts are heavy today after the senseless attack on Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Army Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard, who were shot yesterday in Washington D.C.
Staff Sgt. Wolfe is a member of our CWA family from Local 2222in Martinsburg, W.Va. and a lineman with Frontier Communications.
We condemn this act of violence and are praying for their recovery. As we gather with our loved ones for Thanksgiving, our thoughts are with their family and friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.
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Original text here: https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/cwa-statement-shooting-national-guard-members-washington-dc
IAM Union Local S6 Members at Bath Iron Works Honor Life of Amber Czech, Call for Action Against Workplace Violence
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, Nov. 26 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union Local S6 Members at Bath Iron Works Honor Life of Amber Czech, Call for Action Against Workplace Violence
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BATH, Maine, Nov. 26, 2025 IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local S6 members at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) recently held a gathering to honor the life of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder and educator whose life was tragically cut short by a coworker's violence
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UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, Nov. 26 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union Local S6 Members at Bath Iron Works Honor Life of Amber Czech, Call for Action Against Workplace Violence
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BATH, Maine, Nov. 26, 2025 IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local S6 members at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) recently held a gathering to honor the life of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder and educator whose life was tragically cut short by a coworker's violenceon Nov. 11, 2025, in Cokato, Minn.
Czech, known for her skill and dedication to the trade, worked as a welder and spent her days off teaching the craft at her former high school. The Local S6 tribute underscored the urgent need for action against workplace violence and a renewed commitment to protecting women in the skilled trades.
IAM Union Local S6 and BIW welder Megan McCandless spearheaded the event, demonstrating leadership and compassion. Members gathered in the BIW shipyard for a visible display of support and solidarity for women in the trades.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works created a video of the tribute, featuring remarks from McCandless.
"I thought we had a responsibility through the company and the Union to shed light and recognize what happened in honor of Amber," said McCandless. "We had women from the company and the Union coming together in honor of Amber Czech. It is a woman's issue, and it is so important to have each other's back in the workplace."
WATCH: Shipbuilders from across Bath Iron Works came together to stand in solidarity for women in the trades and to honor the life of Amber Czech
"Amber was one of us, a young, talented welder who loved her craft and her community," said IAM Union International President and Local S6 member Brian Bryant. "Her life was brutally stolen. This kind of workplace violence is a horror no family or coworker should ever have to endure. The IAM and Local S6 stand united in saying it will never be tolerated. We owe it to Amber, and to every worker, to fight for dignity, safety, and respect on the job."
"Only six percent of women are welders in the U.S. trades workforce, which leaves far too many feeling isolated and vulnerable," said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President and Local S6 member David Sullivan. "Amber should have had a long, successful career. The Eastern Territory is committed to ensuring that no worker ever feels isolated, threatened, or unsafe. Solidarity means stepping up for one another, and we will not fail."
"No one should ever come to work fearing violence or harassment," IAM Union Local S6 President Chris Williams. "Our union is a family that shows up for each other. This powerful tribute reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting everyone on the shop floor."
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America's largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
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Original text here: https://www.goiam.org/news/iam-union-local-s6-members-at-bath-iron-works-honor-life-of-amber-czech-call-for-action-against-workplace-violence/
CWA and Sundance Institute Jointly Announce Union Recognition of Staff Union
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA and Sundance Institute Jointly Announce Union Recognition of Staff Union
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The Sundance Institute jointly with the Sundance Institute Workers United announces the Institute's voluntary recognition of the staff union represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9003 to function as the bargaining representative for their employees.
"CWA Local 9003 is very happy to announce that we have received voluntary recognition from the Sundance Institute.
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA and Sundance Institute Jointly Announce Union Recognition of Staff Union
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The Sundance Institute jointly with the Sundance Institute Workers United announces the Institute's voluntary recognition of the staff union represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9003 to function as the bargaining representative for their employees.
"CWA Local 9003 is very happy to announce that we have received voluntary recognition from the Sundance Institute.We warmly welcome the dedicated professionals at the Institute into our union family," said Marisa Remski, president of CWA Local 9003. "This recognition represents an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen solidarity, promote fairness, and empower creative workers throughout the industry. Together, we look forward to continuing the work of building a stronger, more equitable future for all workers in the creative community."
"Our deep respect for our staff and strong support of unions guided the Board and Leadership of the Sundance Institute to voluntarily recognize a collective bargaining unit," said Trista Schroeder, Sundance Institute General Counsel. "We are looking forward to entering the process with our colleagues to reach an outcome that reflects our mutual respect and shared mission."
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Original text here: https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/cwa-and-sundance-institute-jointly-announce-union-recognition-staff-union
Teachers Warn That High-stakes Tests Will Worsen Student Engagement and Fail to Broaden Curriculum - NEU Survey
LONDON, England, Nov. 25 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Teachers warn that high-stakes tests will worsen student engagement and fail to broaden curriculum - NEU survey
A new online survey of members of the National Education Union reveals fears that the government's commitment to keep in place all current primary tests, as well as adding a statutory reading test in Year 8, will narrow the curriculum and worsen student wellbeing.
The snapshot survey of 1,136 teachers in primary and secondary settings was conducted on 10 November, just days after the
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LONDON, England, Nov. 25 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Teachers warn that high-stakes tests will worsen student engagement and fail to broaden curriculum - NEU survey
A new online survey of members of the National Education Union reveals fears that the government's commitment to keep in place all current primary tests, as well as adding a statutory reading test in Year 8, will narrow the curriculum and worsen student wellbeing.
The snapshot survey of 1,136 teachers in primary and secondary settings was conducted on 10 November, just days after thepublication of Building a world-class curriculum for all, the final report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR). The Department for Education (DfE) has broadly accepted its recommendations.
The NEU member survey found:
* 75 per cent of primary school teachers who responded believe that keeping all statutory assessments will worsen student engagement and wellbeing;
* Over half (56 per cent) believe that the decision to keep all statutory assessment in primary schools will further narrow the curriculum. Just 4 per cent believe it will help to broaden the curriculum.
* A large majority of primary respondents (86 per cent) said that SATs worsen student engagement. Hardly any (1.4 per cent) agreed that Year 6 SATs support a broad and balanced curriculum.
* Three fifths of secondary teacher respondents (60 per cent) believe that the newly announced Year 8 reading test will reduce the time available in the curriculum for other subjects, thus narrowing it further.
* 60 per cent of secondary teachers responding to the survey also told us that an increased reliance on exam-only assessment will fail to reflect what students are capable of.
The results cast doubt over whether the government's focus on testing, which goes further than the Review's recommendations, is compatible with the asserted aim of a "broad and balanced curriculum." It is clear to the profession that the primary assessment system is damaging and counterproductive for learning, and that a new test in Year 8 will undermine any efforts to broaden the secondary curriculum.
Primary Schools
NEU teacher members were asked about the government decision to retain all statutory assessments in primary schools. Members who work in this phase answered a series of questions.
What effect do you think this will have on the curriculum?
It will broaden the curriculum ... 4%
It will narrow the curriculum ... 56%
No change ... 40%
Respondents see little to no prospect of the curriculum benefiting from the decision to retain all tests. One told us, "I have seen how detrimental formal assessments can be for some pupils. I have also seen the pressure SATs put on hard working, highly skilled educators. Consequently, the pressure of SATs outcomes has narrowed the curriculum, due to the pressure of assessment outcomes. This is especially prevalent in schools within socio-economic deprived areas and impacts on some of the most vulnerable pupils!"
This comment was well supported by the findings of the next question:
What effect do you think this will have on student wellbeing and engagement?
It will improve wellbeing and engagement ... 2%
It will worsen wellbeing and engagement ... 75%
No change ... 24%
This was particularly acute for respondents who work in schools in areas with the highest levels of deprivation, where 83 per cent felt that wellbeing and engagement would worsen. One despaired that "an opportunity to make the curriculum less onerous on children and more engaging is [being] squandered."
For the next question, primary school members were reminded that the government has now committed to keeping SATs in place. In the form of a multiple-choice question, they were asked
What impact do you think SATs have on your students?
They damage attainment 56%
They improve wellbeing and engagement 0.4%
They narrow the curriculum 81%
They support a broad and balanced curriculum 1.4%
They support attainment 12%
They worsen wellbeing and engagement 86%
Startlingly few respondents (0.4 per cent) held the opinion that SATs in primary schools improve wellbeing and engagement. One respondent spoke of their disappointment that the DfE was "continuing to invest in high-stakes testing when we know how inaccurate it is and when we're dealing with unprecedented levels of mental health difficulties in children." Another added: "There are better ways to assess the children, across a breadth of the curriculum without impacting other subjects or their emotional wellbeing in the process."
Secondary Schools
The Curriculum and Assessment review recommended non-statutory diagnostic assessment of English and Maths skills in Year 8. However, the government went further than the recommendations of the CAR's final report by opting to make the reading test statutory.
As part of our snapshot survey, members working in secondary schools were asked about the government's decision to introduce a reading assessment for Year 8 students.
What impact will this have on the curriculum?
It will increase curriculum time for other subjects 5%
It will reduce curriculum time for other subjects 60%
No change 35%
One respondent told us that, in their view, "Introducing reading assessments at Year 8 will be incredibly damaging. Teachers continually assess progress and already know where the gaps are." Another warned that "Teaching to a Year 8 test will sap any joy out of reading for children who are at the age where that becomes a problem."
Generations of teachers are familiar with the role statutory assessments play in school life; that they exist not to support attainment or progress, but to support accountability. One told us that the government's priorities were in the wrong place: "Reading is already being stifled because of the limited texts offered at GCSE - we need to expand the curriculum offer to be more inclusive and reflective of our students."
Secondary members were then asked about the government's intention to decrease exam time by 2.5 to 3 hours, while still being reliant solely on exam-only assessment.
Do you think your students will be able to demonstrate what they're capable of?
No impact 12%
Students will be able to fully show what they are capable of 28%
Students will not be able to show all they're capable of 60%
Once more, this reflected significant concern that the government was failing to meet the challenge of ensuring that students' abilities are accurately captured. Several told us, "Bring back coursework for core subjects." One added, "Terminal exams are hopelessly ineffective ways to measure actual skill and attainment." Another bemoaned that government reforms were "all about outcomes, as usual, rather than the whole child!"
Commenting on the findings of the survey, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"Broadening the curriculum matters. A top-down 'exam factory' culture and a stifling curriculum have, up to now, resulted in high rates of mental ill-health among young people, the choice of subjects at secondary being reduced, and a level of disengagement that can lead to classroom disruption and truancy.
"The Curriculum and Assessment Review was an opportunity to address the elephant in the room. Scrapping the EBacc, improving representation across the curriculum, and addressing over-crammed curriculum content are all positive steps towards that goal.
"Sadly, the panel's work was undermined by a government intent on sticking with the tried and over-tested. In March it pre-empted the Review's conclusions by indicating it would keep all statutory primary assessments. In putting its thumb on the scale, the government blew the opportunity to re-set education and eradicate the mistakes and tick-box obsessions of past governments.
"There is still time to change approach. Government must stop, look and listen. If they are serious about young people and unleashing opportunity, then that starts with the curriculum. It is clear that the current strategy of yet more assessment will do nothing to broaden the curriculum. This is the very opposite of what parents and the profession want to see.
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/teachers-warn-high-stakes-tests-will-worsen-student-engagement-and-fail-broaden-curriculum-neu
[Category: Union]
SCOTUS denies Harper, Otsuka petition for review
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 [Category: Financial Services] -- America's Credit Unions posted the following news:
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SCOTUS denies Harper, Otsuka petition for review
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The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for review from dismissed NCUA board members Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka Monday. Harper and Otsuka were removed from the board in April, filed a legal challenge seeking reinstatement, and had requested in October the Supreme Court grant review of their case when it hears arguments in Trump v. Slaughter in December.
Trump v. Slaughter is a challenge involving dismissed Federal Trade Commission
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 [Category: Financial Services] -- America's Credit Unions posted the following news:
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SCOTUS denies Harper, Otsuka petition for review
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The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for review from dismissed NCUA board members Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka Monday. Harper and Otsuka were removed from the board in April, filed a legal challenge seeking reinstatement, and had requested in October the Supreme Court grant review of their case when it hears arguments in Trump v. Slaughter in December.
Trump v. Slaughter is a challenge involving dismissed Federal Trade CommissionCommissioners Rebecca Slaughter, and concerns a 1935 precedent in the case Humphrey's Executor, which established the president cannot remove heads of independent agencies without cause.
Oral argument in Trump v. Slaughter is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Harper and Otsuka claim their removal violates the Federal Credit Union Act since they were dismissed without cause, while the government claims the Federal Credit Union Act contains no specific language restricting the president's removal authority.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended oral argument, which was originally scheduled for Nov. 21, and paused the case pending the Supreme Court's review of the Slaughter case.
America's Credit Unions continues to support an independent NCUA with a bipartisan, three-member board as essential to effective oversight of the credit union industry.
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Original text here: https://www.americascreditunions.org/news-media/news/scotus-denies-harper-otsuka-petition-review
Durham School Bus Workers Ratify Strong Three-year Contract, Averting Strike
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Durham School Bus Workers Ratify Strong Three-year Contract, Averting Strike
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(BALTIMORE, Md.) - More than 150 school bus drivers and monitors at Durham School Services in Maryland have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, successfully averting a potential strike and securing major gains in wages and benefits. The workers are represented by
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Durham School Bus Workers Ratify Strong Three-year Contract, Averting Strike
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(BALTIMORE, Md.) - More than 150 school bus drivers and monitors at Durham School Services in Maryland have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, successfully averting a potential strike and securing major gains in wages and benefits. The workers are represented byTeamsters Local 570.
The agreement includes significant wage increases, and other improvements that strengthen quality of life and reflect the essential public service these workers provide to families and students across the region. The strong ratification vote underscores members' confidence in the bargaining committee and the protections secured through the new contract.
"This contract is the result of hard work, unity, and the unwavering determination of these workers," said Sean Cedenio, Local 570 Secretary-Treasurer. "Our members stood strong throughout this process, and this agreement delivers the fair compensation and respect they deserve. We're proud of what we achieved together and are ready to build on this progress in the years ahead."
Workers said the new agreement not only avoids a disruptive strike but also provides long-overdue improvements that will make a real difference in their day-to-day lives.
"We came together because we wanted a contract that truly supported us and the students we transport," said Nicole Green, member of Local 570. "These raises and improvements show that our voices were heard. It feels good to know our solidarity paid off."
Teamsters Local 570 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Baltimore and the surrounding communities. For more information, visit team570.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2025/11/durham-school-bus-workers-ratify-strong-three-year-contract-averting-strike/
