Forest Lake bus drivers reach tentative deal with district, averting strike

FOREST LAKE, Minn. -- Bus drivers in Forest Lake have reached a tentative deal with the school district, avoiding a strike that could have started Monday.

The agreement raises wages for 76 bus drivers to $22.87 an hour and $20.33 for bus aides. 

"With the support of the bus drivers and aides, Teamsters were able to make improvements on wages and benefits," said Darcy Overland, a school bus driver for Forest Lake School District-ISD 831 for 13 years. "After this agreement was reached, driving for Forest Lake Area Schools will remain a great place to work."

Teamsters Local 320 originally voted on April 20 to strike. But now, the bus drivers will vote on Monday on the agreement.

The district says it is pleased to have been able to find common ground with the bus drivers. Read the rest of their statement here.