Teamsters Local 493 says workers have not received a raise in two years, and the employer has rejected proposals over healthcare and retirement.
School bus drivers and mechanics who provide transportation for Plainfield Public Schools have notified the district that they may strike against their employer, DATTCO.
Teamsters Local 493 has represented the 26 drivers and two mechanics since December 2025. The union says the workers have not received a raise in two years, and that the employer has rejected proposals to adopt healthcare and retirement plans approved by the union.
“There's no reason Plainfield's drivers should have to strike to get what DATTCO has already agreed to elsewhere and … the area standards that Teamsters Local 493 has achieved at the bus yard they represent," said union spokesman Craig Mitchell.
The union says negotiations over a contract have been ongoing for nine months, including a session with a federal mediator.
Local 493 says it delivered its final proposals last week, but has not received a response from DATTCO.
The company said that it remains open to meeting with the union bargaining committee at any time, and says that it has already offered significant concessions including wage increases, healthcare coverage, additional paid holidays and a 401(k) plan.
“We value our dedicated employees who provide safe transportation each day in Plainfield and believe that our proposals are incredibly competitive and fair,” said DATTCO Chief Operating Officer Kyle DeVivo.
The district’s first day of school is Thursday Aug 27.
