Blue Bird Announces Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement by United Steelworkers

Rhea-AI Summary

Blue Bird (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leading manufacturer of electric and low-emission school buses, announced the ratification of a three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the United Steelworkers (USW) union. The agreement, which was overwhelmingly approved, covers over 1,500 production workers at Blue Bird’s Fort Valley, Georgia facility. This CBA aims to provide well-paying jobs, competitive benefits, and career growth opportunities, strengthening Blue Bird's position as an employer of choice. CEO Phil Horlock expressed confidence in the agreement's positive outcomes for both employees and the company, aiming to bolster their high-performance culture and growth plans while maintaining their commitment to North American customers. Blue Bird is notable for being the only U.S.-owned school bus manufacturer and the leading builder of electric school buses in North America, with over 1,500 zero-emission buses currently in operation.

Positive

• Ratification of a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW).
• The CBA covers over 1,500 production workers, providing job security and competitive benefits.
• Aims to strengthen Blue Bird's position as an employer of choice.
• Supports the attraction, retention, and motivation of top talent.
• Reinforces the company's commitment to delivering high-performance culture and growth plans.
• Over 1,500 zero-emission school buses in operation, highlighting Blue Bird's leadership in clean transportation.
• Blue Bird sustains approximately 2,000 good-paying U.S. jobs.

Negative

• The press release does not specify any immediate financial impacts or cost increases associated with the new CBA.
• Potential increase in operational costs due to enhanced employee benefits and pay.
• No concrete details on how the agreement will directly impact profitability or shareholder value.

Company Strengthens Position as Employer of Choice

MACON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, announced today that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been reached with the United Steelworkers (USW) union. Eligible members of the USW voted overwhelmingly in favor of the three-year agreement. The CBA covers more than 1,500 production workers at Blue Bird’s Fort Valley, Ga., facility.

The collective bargaining agreement provides the framework for well-paying jobs and competitive benefits along with attractive career development and skill-building opportunities. It will assist the company to attract, retain and motivate top talent, and will strengthen Blue Bird’s position as an employer of choice.

“I am pleased with the ratification of our first collective bargaining agreement following a very collaborative and professional process with the USW,” said Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “We reached an agreement which provides positive outcomes for all parties involved and will continue to drive our One Team, high-performance culture. We are confident that the agreement will further bolster Blue Bird’s position as an employer of choice in the region. We remain committed to serving our customers in North America with distinction and delivering on our growth plans. In addition, we are looking forward to a strong partnership with our USW team members.”

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company is the number one builder of electric school buses in North America with more than 1,500 zero-emission school buses in operation today. The shift to clean student transportation helps Blue Bird sustain approx. 2,000 good-paying U.S. jobs.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

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Julianne Barclay

TSN Communications

M: +1.267.934.5340

E: julianne@tsncommunications.com

Source: Blue Bird Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of Blue Bird's new collective bargaining agreement?

The agreement aims to improve job security, benefits, and career opportunities for over 1,500 workers, enhancing Blue Bird’s position as an employer of choice.

How many employees are covered by Blue Bird's new CBA?

The collective bargaining agreement covers over 1,500 production workers at Blue Bird's Fort Valley, Georgia facility.

What impact will the CBA have on Blue Bird's business?

The CBA is expected to attract, retain, and motivate top talent, supporting Blue Bird’s high-performance culture and growth plans.

How many electric school buses has Blue Bird deployed in North America?

Blue Bird has more than 1,500 zero-emission school buses currently in operation.

What is Blue Bird’s position in the U.S. school bus manufacturing market?

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer and the leading builder of electric school buses in North America.