Springfield School Bus Drivers Threaten to Strike

[image:725]Brandishing signs reading "We don't want to strike but we will", about 100 school bus told the Springfield's control board on Monday that they would not accept a loss of health insurance and other benefits without a fight. The drivers and bus monitors and upset about a decision by the control board to remove language from a city bid specification requiring contractors bidding for the city's bus contract to honor the current union contract. The workers are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 1459 in Springfield.

Clifford Nurse, a Springfield bus driver and UFCW Local 1459 steward, explained that if another incoming transporation company was awarded the city's busing contract, they would be under no obligation to offer the same benefits package spelled out in the contract with First Student and Durham School Services, the current transporation providers. Nurse said this would lead to a higher turnover rate and cause a decline in the quality of transporation services delivered to the city. "We know our presence is important, but they're not showing us any appreciation," Nurse said.

Daniel Clifford, the Union Representative for the workers, told the control board that the bid specification language "assured you labor peace." But he said now that the language in the bid specification had been pulled, "You not only have given us the right to strike, you are encouraging us to strike." Rose Falconer, another driver and union steward, made an impassioned plea to the board, imploring them not to sacrifice their lives and welfare for the sake of saving money. "Our lives depend on these benefits and we cannot afford to be without them," she said.