More than 1,000 DC school bus drivers and attendants will achieve pay parity with other District government employees, thanks to a new three-year contract between the city and AFSCME 1959. Local 1959 president Corey Upchurch said it was “an exciting day for all of us,” calling the deal “the foundation on something we can build on collectively moving forward.” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser added that the contract “recognizes and rewards” the bus drivers and attendants “for the important work they perform year-round.” The contract, which is retroactive to fiscal year 2018, also offers benefits consistent with other district employees or drivers in similar positions, such as holiday pay and administrative closing pay, and incentives for improved service, such as premiums for safe driving and on-time arrivals.