On the cusp of thousands of Anne Arundel County children going back to school, bus drivers will vote on whether to authorize a strike based on management’s “last, best, and final offer.”
Bus drivers employed by Annapolis Bus Company (ABC) and RE Wilson, and represented by UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, will take the vote in an effort to secure a fair contract adequately addressing fair pay and respect on the job. Both companies operate under the umbrella of Student Transportation of America.
This is the second time ABC employees have faced a potential strike. In October 2021, they staged a wildcat strike, which caused significant disruption for hundreds of Anne Arrundel County students. The county took immediate steps to improve working conditions and pay. This will be RE Wilson employees’ first-ever strike vote.
“Our members take pride in transporting students safely to and from school each day,” said Ray Lee, special assistant to the president at UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO. “This vote reflects the seriousness of their concerns and their demand for a fair agreement that recognizes the importance of their work.”
Local 1994 stressed that a strike authorization vote does not mean a strike will happen immediately. It simply empowers the bargaining committee to call a strike if negotiations break down.
“Our goal is always to reach an agreement at the bargaining table,” Lee said. “But make no mistake—our members are united, and they are prepared to stand up for themselves and their families.”
Anne Arundel County Public Schools open for grades 1–5 and grades 6 and 9 only on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Schools open for grades 1–12 on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
