Julie Su secures labor contract for over 1,500 newly unionized workers at Georgia bus manufacturer

The Acting Labor Department secretary, Julie Su, has recently made headlines for helping secure a labor contract for over 1,500 newly unionized workers at a school bus manufacturer in Georgia. This achievement is significant as the region is typically known for being hostile towards unionization.

The contract at Blue Bird Corp., which was ratified last week, showcases the impact of the administration’s pro-labor stance and the influx of funds from its signature legislation on changing the operations of U.S. businesses. Su has been actively involved in various key labor negotiations in recent years, demonstrating her commitment to supporting workers’ rights.

Blue Bird Corp., a 97-year-old publicly traded company focusing on electric vehicles, has seen a boost in demand due to the bipartisan infrastructure law. The White House views this contract as evidence that the transition to a green economy can benefit workers as well. Su emphasized the importance of ensuring a future of clean air and good union jobs in an exclusive interview with Axios.

This contract comes after both a union loss and a win at two other Southern workplaces. Employees at a Mercedes facility in Alabama recently voted against unionizing, while Volkswagen employees in Tennessee voted in favor of unionizing in April.

Blue Bird workers voted to unionize with the United Steelworkers last May, marking a significant win for labor organizing in the South. Despite facing unfair labor practice charges, the workers were able to secure a contract that was praised by CEO Phil Horlock.

With nearly $60 million in funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program on the horizon, Blue Bird is set to benefit from the increased demand for electric school buses. The company reported record profits and a significant increase in its stock price following the announcement of the contract.

Julie Su’s involvement in the negotiations played a crucial role in reaching a successful agreement between Blue Bird and the union. Her dedication to advocating for workers’ rights and pushing for fair labor practices has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.