Teamsters Local 391 President Mike McGaha is a former driver at United Parcel Service.

Teamsters Local 391 President Mike McGaha blasted the General Assembly budget this morning as inequitable, unfair and immoral.  McGaha said a $500 raise for bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers in public schools compared to a $1,000 raise plus 5 bonus days for bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers in state government was indefensible.

McGaha said he was furious with lawmakers' indifference to these low income employees, especially leaders in the state Senate who were advocating for no pay raises for classified employees in the public schools.   

"These are some of the most important jobs in our community," said McGaha.  "To think that politicians in the General Assembly and the leadership in other employee organizations would view them as a fraction of importance is offensive.  These are the people who protect and care for our children."

Teamsters Local 391 Stood Alone in Calling for Veto

McGaha pointed out that Teamsters Local 391 was the only employee organization calling for a veto of the state budget this summer after it was learned classified employees were getting only $500 with no bonus days while public school teachers received a 7% raise and state employees received a $1,000 raise with 5 bonus days. 

"This budget fight underscores the importance of all bus drivers, maintenance workers, and cafeteria workers to come under the Teamsters Local 391 banner," said McGaha.  "To be a member of any other employee organization sends a message to politicians that classified employees support 7% raises for teachers and only $500 for bus drivers in the public schools.  It sends a message that classified employees support $1,000 raises for state employees and only $500 for custodians in the public schools."

Teamsters Local 391 only represents classified employees in North Carolina public schools, said McGaha.  "Classified employees can rest assured that we will never sell you out to another group of employees in our membership, because classified employees are all we represent in public education period.  However, we need to organize these employees and speak with one voice -- Teamsters Local 391's."

Teamsters Local 391 Will Advocate for $500 at Local Level

Rachel Eitzen, who serves as a business agent for public school employees, said Teamsters Local 391 will organize a campaign to advocate for another $500 for classified employee pay this fall at the county commission and local school board level.  However, she needs a commitment from all classified employees to unite with Teamsters Local 391.  

"We want this campaign to be about classified employees and their pay," said Eitzen, who also serves as the recording secretary for Teamsters Local 391.  "We know from past experience that when other employee associations get involved, classified employees come out as losers when pitted against teachers.  The teacher supplement at the local level is a prime example."  

If you are interested in participating in the Teamsters Local 391 push for higher salary this fall, call Rachel Eitzen at 336-668-0441 extenstion 218 or email rwells@teamsterslocal391.org.