Statement From First Student About The Bus Driver Strike In The Hinds Co. School District
Published: October 21, 2009
Updated: October 21, 2009
STATEMENT FROM FIRST STUDENT
First Student has continued to negotiate in good faith with union representatives. On October 20, we confirmed a Friday morning meeting with the union. It is inconceivable to us that the union would choose to call a strike before meeting with us to hear our new proposal.
We are extremely disappointed the union has chosen to strike in Hinds County, effective Thursday morning. Not only does it show disregard for our scheduled negotiation meeting, it also puts unnecessary pressure on parents.
The negotiations are between First Student and the union only. The school districts have not been involved in the union negotiations. It is unfair for the union to place the students of Hinds County in the middle of a labor dispute between First Student and the Teamsters Local 891.
Unfortunately, we cannot ascertain how many buses or which specific routes may be running tomorrow, so we do advise parents to seek alternate transportation for their children. We sincerely regret the impact this uncertainty will have on parents and students.
We value our drivers, bus attendants and employees in the community, and we recognize the excellent work they do in getting your children safely to and from school.
Reader Reactions
If the Hinds County School District had not chosen to privatize the bus service to an outside company like First Student, it would not be in this situation. JPS is smart in keeping student transportation in house.
I understand that the driver want more pay. I think they should get it. But what they are doing is wrong for everyone but them. The parents will lose more by having to drive them to school everyday. I think they new they would be making only 10 something so they shouldnt have taken the job if they didnt want that pay. They need to think about the kids and s=be grateful they still have their jobs..
I thank the student should stay home to help the busdriver get their point over. Two ($2.00) A day is not very mush to ask for, for whate they have to put up with.
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