Bus drivers protest privatization in Niles

Tools

Bus drivers for Niles Community Schools protested because the district is considering privatizing bus transportation next year

Bus drivers for Niles Community Schools protested at four different locations in Niles Sunday, Mar. 2, 2008. The district is considering privatizing bus transportation next year. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 3, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2008 at 5:38 PM EST

NILES — Local bus drivers concerned about their jobs and the safety of the children they take to school protested in Niles Sunday.

Protesters lined the streets at four different locations. The district's 28 bus drivers helped organize the event.

Margo Rivera has been driving for seven years and says losing her job isn't her only concern.

"The safety of the children is most important though,” said bus driver Margo Rivera. “With privatization you hear a lot of horror stories about the things that go on with the private companies busing your children. And I have children in the district and it really scares me."

Niles Superintendent Doug Law earlier told WSBT News "the district is looking at bids for privatizing." He says it's also in very intense negotiations with the current union.

The question of whether or not to privatize bus transportation next school year will likely be decided by Niles Community Schools officials at the school board meeting Monday.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 41.6

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.