Public schools bus drivers working without a contract since May protest employer's delays; demand higher wages and affordable health insurance

CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 members who work as bus drivers for West Hartford Public Schools' transportation contractor braved the icy cold last week in an appeal to raise community awareness and support in their ongoing struggle to get their employer, First Student Inc. of Cincinnati, to invest in its workforce and negotiate a first contract.

The bus drivers are frustrated with apparent lack of interest the transportation contractor has shown thus far in recruiting and retaining quality school bus drivers whose top priority has been the safety and security of the children in their care. "For years, the contractors for West Hartford's schools have had a tough time keeping qualified drivers because they offered wages that were far below a livable wage," said Marcus Evans, a veteran school bus driver working in the district. "When we voted for our union earlier this year, we voted to get a contract in place that could slow down turn-over and begin driving up standards."

The morning protest in front of Town Hall generated plenty of media buzz, assuring the press coverage needed to deliver the local union's core message to parents, residents, and local elected officials. Nearly eight months after joining the union, the bus drivers who deliver the district's children to and from school are still dedicated to "driving up standards" in West Hartford. And wouldn't you know, First Student showed up for contract talks the very same evening of the protest (and the following morning), after postponing the last two sessions scheduled in November.

Watch video coverage of the picket.

Visit www.seiu2001.org for more information about the union's "Driving Up Standards" efforts.