MARYLAND TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT ZUM TRANSPORTATION

Student Transportation Workers for Howard County Public Schools Reject Contract

JESSUP, Md., Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Contact:  
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
[email protected]

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 570