Volusia school bus drivers tell school board they are overworked, underpaid
Volusia County school bus drivers went in front of the school board Wednesday wearing shirts that say “I carry precious cargo."
They spoke on how they don't think the district appreciates how many different hats they wear, as well as the challenges they face on the job.
“We've been kicked on, spat on, hit, slapped, punched, constantly attacked by parents and students as well as working during this COVID pandemic,” one bus driver said at the meeting.
COVID-19 has led to a significant shortage of school bus drivers, some of whom have quit or retired because of the risk.
Some drivers who are still on the job have had to take time off after contracting the virus. Right now, the county has 50 vacancies in transportation. Current drivers say they are feeling the pressure.
“I'm transporting up to two and three times the number of students on my bus routes and trips due to the crucial shortage of bus drivers,” another bus driver said.
The drivers at the meeting said they are overworked and underpaid, claiming to be among the lowest paid in the state.
“We cannot force people to drive at our schools but maybe if we offered a competitive wage we could get people to come and maybe keep the ones that we have,” a bus driver said.
A representative with the school district said no one could comment because the district is currently at an impasse with the union representing bus drivers.
Regardless, those drivers who spoke out asked board members to get behind and endorse a living wage.
“It's pretty bad that our high school students are making more money at a fast food place or a grocery store than what we are,” another bus driver said at the meeting.
Bus drivers in the county start at a wage of $13 an hour.