Comments

Cant believe it wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:11 PM:

" I didn't know that you could get a college degree in school bus driving. Unions are for people that can't make their own decisions, can't stand up for theimselves, and can't put out the effort to progress through their selected field of work on their own. Most union people are the same ones that think that meat comes from the grocery store, and not from the animals on a farm. They would rather pay a group to do their bidding, then do it on their own. "




RUSerious wrote on Oct 13, 2009 8:46 PM:

" Wow...I can't believe some of the comments that were made. I am well educated, have a college degree to prove it and I'm also a school bus driver! Conditions at the bus yard have been questionable for quite some time. Over the years employees have tried to work with management to improve things to no avail, it actually gets a little worse each year. It was out of pure frustration the union vote passed so management can thank themselves for that. One thing everyone seems to have forgotten is the fact the union can be voted out too! "




Fact wrote on Oct 12, 2009 2:41 PM:

" You can thank the Auto Union for the lion's share of blame for the demise of the our auto industry! Ever see what kind of money they pried out of GM, Ford and Chrysler (and vis-a-vis, the customers) for the employees AFTER retirement? Medical? Its amazing the Big 3 didn't cave in sooner! And while the Union was smiling and patting itself on the back, they also ran the industry into the ground and LOST how many jobs as a result? "




fed up wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:27 AM:

" If you dont like your job quit and get another one. Dont agree to the rules then want them changed after the game has started playing. Unions have only cost this county jobs for the last 40 years. Also have cost us more for products we buy. A guy cant get a job at McDonalds and then makes $40 a hour putting bolts on a wheel at a auto factory what a joke. Wait until Unemployment hits 20 percent and see who wants those $14phr bus driver jobs. "




to oceanpro wrote on Oct 11, 2009 1:01 AM:

" Well, we'd have to check our history books....that's the only place one could find Unions accomplishing anything positive. Times have changed. Now they exist to serve themselves. "




oceanpro wrote on Oct 10, 2009 7:45 PM:

" How many of you enjoy a living wage? an 8 hour work day? or paid time off? A health insurance plan and retirement plan? If you enjoy these beneifts and are still against Unions then you should give those beneifits back to your employer, because these benefits are the result of the union movement. To all the Educated idots Check your High School History Books. "




jp wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:59 AM:

" 1 more thing:
the statement "kids are twice as smart"
is that why the literacy rate is only 60% of graduating seniors nationwide?
Graduating and they can't read!
If my education is so bad, then I expect a refund from my colleges and school district! "




jp wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:49 AM:

" i'll lay odds that when the teachers contract comes due for re-negotiation, they'll all be threatening to strike for more money. It happens every single time.

so, your statement that "not one teacher wants to be part of a union" doesn't hold water. "




To JP wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:48 PM:

" You just reaffirmed everything but let me make a correction for you. First look at your education obviously teachers have come a long way. Kids nowadays are twice as smart. Secondly if there were no bus drivers parents would find others way to transport their kids. Pretty stupid saying with out drivers we wouldn't need teacher. Maybe in your world you wish there were no schools. Lastly your right no union is worse than the teacher's union and out of all the teachers I know not one likes or wants to be part of the union. "




Power Wagon wrote on Oct 8, 2009 4:10 PM:

" Unions bear little-to-no resemblance to the idea that first created them. In modern times, they create as many problems as they supposedly 'fix'. And when they do address an issue, they herald in a whole new set of symptoms along with their 'cure'. In order to give the impression that they're doing something, they'll often enflame problems in order to justify thier existence. Today, Unions exist for the sake of Unions. They have become bloated, self-serving, lethargic monsters whose time has passed. "




jp wrote on Oct 8, 2009 12:54 PM:

" And one more thing:

Who strong arms more than the teachers union???? "




jp to Laughable wrote on Oct 8, 2009 12:51 PM:

" Ifind it quite entertaining that you belittle a person for joining a union to try and stabilize their job, while pronouncing that a mere teacher is some sort of educated "professional". Just look at the quality education these students receive these days.
We need bus drivers just as much as teachers, if there weren't bus drivers, there would be no need for teachers!
You must remember one very important fact of life:

Those who can, do!............Those who can't.........Teach! "




learn some history wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Some of you union bashers should do some research and see why unions were formed in this country and the good that has came from them.

Many of the benefits you enjoy in your jobs came from the union movement.

It seems many of you are likely first student management or other misguided souls who believe you need a college diploma to be intelligent and worthy of a job with a livable wages/benefits. "




cont.... wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:53 PM:

" Face it joining a union makes you no better than execs. You want to better yourself and situation without having to do what all of America does and that is get more education and a better job. Instead you use a union to play one side, First student against the other side the parents and stand out on strike with you picket signs when you don't get your way. All the while playing it off as getting better treatment from your employer. My prediction you will be striking
soon. The down side is parents probably won't care! I won't. "




laughable wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:40 PM:

" You don't deserve more than what you are worth and driving a school bus is not worth more than what you get. It is not a professional job like a teacher so don't try and compare yourself to that. It does not take a lot of schooling and I know a couple drivers that went to work there after they got fired from where I work and I surely would not trust them with my kids. Secondly if you want better health insurance, benefits get educated and get a better job instead of using a union to strong arm.... "




ilaughat you wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:50 PM:

" I work for First Student and I am surprised at what i just read, i dont think you want to fire the whole lot, I am a tax payer to , just like all the other drivers, attendants and monitors. We are no different than any other worker that want s to have a better place to work or affortable health insurance or wages. To be a Driver is not easy, not everyone is cut out to work with kids, ask a teacher, do you think they dont earn there wage, well we earn our pay and deserve more "




cottonwood49 wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:38 PM:

" Hire school bus drivers, from Craiglist? Now there's a good idea??
Big difference between an A CDL and a B CDL, there Jerry. As far as a CPR class being simple, do you want these folks doing surgery? Last time I checked folks, UNION workers pay taxes too. You anti union guys probably have some neighbors who work union (oh no)! "




Ex Union official wrote on Oct 7, 2009 5:09 PM:

" To Fishhook you are wrong wrong wrong. The Union does try to force better wages through fear tactics of a strike and other methods and the bus company will not make less profits they will actually make more because they will cut routes, renegotiate contracts and lay off workers. More than likely union workers. Just ask Mascot. or the custodians. Also Unions are not there for the workers they are there for the money. All unions positions are paid. I know I was paid and paid well. I bought my house on the backs of blue collar employees. "




fishhook wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:29 PM:

" this is good for the workers, congrats!
as some of you have posted, you wonder where will the "extra" money come from to give pay increases or other benefits that the employees do not have now. the answer is simple, the company will no longer make such a large profit margin. they will have to share some of their profits with the people who earned them those profits. the company will still make a profit, just not as much. "




aklifer wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Folks,
Most of us wish we were paid more, and sometimes we gripe about our jobs. I've even applied for another job while at my current job. We live in a free socienty, if your not happy at your job then quit and get another. Here in America we can even better ourselves with education or/and training to get ahead. Joining a union to try to force your employers hand is joke. I'm a product of AK public. school, UAA grad with $26K owed at graduation, so I know it can be done. "




Jerry wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Yeah I worked there two years ago. The CDL class was taught by the bus company and the CPR class is nothing more than a red cross class. Any high school kid could pass it. I have since gone to taken the truck driving school in Palmer and let me tell you it is twice as hard. And for the record the reason I quit was because it is a dead job with nothing but a bunch of people that have found their lives at a dead end as far as careers go. My kids won't ride the bus. "




To Meadow_Lakes_Madman wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:13 PM:

" Problems with maintenance issues are known by many in the industry - especially the employees. Remember, the company gets fined for each bus not on the road and just because the law is on your side doesn't mean your employer will always do the right thing (or not retaliate against you in some way for your actions) - a union will fix that. The company can't fire the union rep or treat them unfairly when they enforce the law, the contract, contact the school district, or enforce the work rules negotiated in good faith. "




Former Driver wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:00 PM:

" I've worked for First Student on and off over the years. I was strongly anti-union and think it's the dumbest thing they ever did.
But, about late buses. A lot of the times if I was late to pick up your kid, it's because the parents of the previous kids couldn't bother to get their little "angels" out the door on time. And, God forbid you leave them behind when they are late. Then the parents call up screaming that you left their kids and tired to hit them with bus as you went by. "




Fromer Driver wrote on Oct 7, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Jerry, All drivers carry a Class B CDL with air brakes and passenger endorsements. They are also required to carry a current First Aid and CPR card. "




Meadow_Lakes_Madman wrote on Oct 7, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Some on here are claiming that becoming unionized will improve bus safety...I ask how? There are Federal Regulations that already cover safety issues, are you implying you are driving buses that do not meet those standards? If so it sounds like a company and ANY driver operating an unsafe vehicle are responsible for any mishaps that may occur. So while the drivers whine they need a union to fix things they may want to consider this. Expend your energies blowing the whistle on these alleged unsafe conditions. Doing anything less proves your true mindset...the thought of making more money. "




longtmevalleyRes wrote on Oct 7, 2009 1:53 PM:

" LONG LIVE THE UNION!!!!! "




Now comes the hard part wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:52 PM:

" I'm in a union that the bus drivers considered and while we did not end up representing these drivers, I am glad they made the choice to organize.

Now they are a group and cannot be singled out for discipline or dismissed for trying to improve safety and working conditions. "




Hugh wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:42 PM:

" The school district awards the bid to the lowest bidder which is one of the major problems with the industry - your children are being put at risk by the "Wal-Mart values" and a "pay for less mentality". Did you know that First Student averages 30-40% turn over a year? How does that provide security for your children? After locations unionize, turnover drops significantly. Lastly, if FS does lose the contract, the contracts successor clause will keep the workers unionized and protect their jobs, working conditions, and improvements. "




Jerry cont... wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:40 AM:

" And as far as bad treatment and poor conditions. The drivers are more than welcome to find other jobs. oh yeah I forgot a large percentage of these people are not employable anywhere else except maybe Wal-Mart. I didn't say all but according to this comment board and the couple drivers I know a large percentage are either uneducated and just not employable in a real job. First Inc should require these drivers to get chauffeur licenses and take EMT life saving courses. Wanna bet how many would pass? "




Jerry wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Come on get real. They voted for a union because they were promised this that and the other. What will happen is the union will start collecting dues before anything is changed. Then they will got to the bus company with a list of demands which will not be met because contracts are set. Then they will strike. drivers won't get paid and parents will have to drive kids. Once again making drivers and unions look bad. Then When contract is up some bus company will under bid First Student and a lot of Drivers will be out of jobs "




Rick wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:07 AM:

" It drives me nuts to read posts from people who have no idea how the drivers have been treated. And indirectly how their own children have been disregarded. You mention late bus's well First Student reduced pre and post trip times so how can they get something fixed if it is broken? Charter bus's not showing up or being late? Well First Student stopped paying driving wages for charters. That means those long hauls to Fbks in the middle of winter are driven by the least experienced drivers. "




Rick wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:02 AM:

" Your school bus drivers voted for a union knowing that they will see no real increase in base wages and benefits. They did this to force the company to provide safe working conditions, safe equipment that your children ride every day. They did this to force changes in the seniority list to accurately reflect years of driving, not favoring a few drivers over those that have been serving you for 20 yrs or more. They voted for the union to correct the pay scale difference from route pay to charter pay. "




Wasilla Teacher wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:22 AM:

" I say go ahead and get a union, but dont expect to get aany wage increase. Union will support you when you need them. This does not mean they are getting paid more. That is set by your school district contract. If the bid is to high they will contract out to a lower bidder. $14 an hour is above what you get for public assistance so I wouldny complain too much. The buses and work conditions do suck but its our JOB to do it safe and professional. I suppport you but wont support any raise. "




well... wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:04 AM:

" we thought our school budgets were out of control now, just wait. "




To Wasilla guy wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:46 PM:

" Learn to spell before you post and especially before you get back behind the wheel of a school bus. "




Former Driver wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:32 PM:

" I've driven for First Student/Laidlaw on and off over the last 10 years. About 25% of the drivers are some of the best people and hardest workers you'll ever meet. About 50% of them are middle of the road. And the last 25%? I wouldn't trust them to bag up my french fries at McDonald's. The pay is already very good, starting at double minimum wage. The health plan sucked, but boo freakin' hoo.
I don't know where they think any extra money is coming from. First Student is broke & and the contract is already set. "




palmergirl cont wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:04 PM:

" When management tells a driver to proceed when it is unsafe to do so, should they continue? Many do because they are in fear of their job. Ultimately the driver is responsible. The Teamsters was voted in not to take tax dollars, but to force them to practice safety. Of course they want better benefits, and better wages. Who doesn't? The Mat-Su Valley drivers top pay is below Anchorages starting pay. That doesn't sound right. Before anybody knocks these people for voting Teamsters get in a bus a drive for a day. "




palmergirl wrote on Oct 6, 2009 7:58 PM:

" You guys obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You talk about wasting the taxpayer dollars, but all school district employees are union. The majority of the bus drivers have not voted the union in because of the money. These school buses are not the safest. There are not parts available when needed. Something is wrong when they can't even get windshield wipers. Above all else, the driver is responsible for the safety of the buses and all students that ride those buses. "




Interested party wrote on Oct 6, 2009 6:57 PM:

" Ask yourself this question. If the contractor has written in their contract that they get a COLA raise every year which the district/state pays every year, shouldn't wages increase at least equal a COLA increase for ongoing drivers. Seems strange that the contractor gets a 4% raise every year, and the employees only get 25 cents. Most sucessful companies that I see at least pay COLA to their employees every year so they don't go backwards. "




Valley Taxpayer wrote on Oct 6, 2009 6:44 PM:

" Hold on here a minute!!! Before you all go spouting off without really knowing what you are talking about, let me just say "Walk a mile in their shoes. Cold buses? Bus defrosters not operating?
Mechanical problems ? Why? NO Maintenance! It is NOT all about wages .
It is also about safe buses for your children as well as the drivers, attendants and monitors.
As far as wages, does your employer pay you different hourly wages depending on what you are doing at work? I think not. Union Dues worth every penny!!! "




tom wrote on Oct 6, 2009 6:27 PM:

" u non union people are really idots u would rather work for gum than steak u guys are crazy "




Dues wrote on Oct 6, 2009 5:39 PM:

" Thats going to eat into that $10/hr Pretty sad. "




Jim wrote on Oct 6, 2009 4:15 PM:

" I can't believe all these Dan Fagan wannabes..unon thugs? union bosses? Name calling shows your total lack of class. I worked for over 30 years as a teamster & I am proud of it. I also worked for Laidlaw & 1st student after they took over. Neither one was a bad company to work for. But $14 an hour with absolutely no benefits? Who can live on that? Someone you want to take responsibility for your perfectly behaved children? There is a lot wrong such as size & type of the inefficient vehicles they use but not the drivers "




Not a Union man wrote on Oct 6, 2009 2:15 PM:

" Not a union man, but the conditions were/are deplorable @ First student. Whomever assumes the contract will keep the same management/employees as it has in the past, with First Student and Laidlaw. That is a misfortune. The management is responsible for the actions of the workers, maintenance, and general working conditions. It’s just Bad Ethics that get you UNIONIZED! "




TTOSBT wrote on Oct 6, 2009 2:15 PM:

" There is no greed in seeking livable wages and benefits for employees and their families. Good luck to these people who work everyday to get our kids safely to school and back home again. Large companies and large unions can each have their problems, but there is real value in getting a union to represent employees in wage and benefit negotiations. "




Wasillaguy wrote on Oct 6, 2009 2:09 PM:

" Wow... some of you are ignorant of cercumstances. The bourogh will give the contract to the lowest bidder...FYI forcith in Anchorage is the only real competitor, and they are unionized already... Its a shame that more people don't relize the condition that the "local" First Student managment is in charge of. For every dollar save is a bonus earned for the higher eshalon. so naturally the maintaince was bad, the heaters don't work and the disrespect over the radio is rediculious. I have herd them off and on throughout my day. "




Cont... wrote on Oct 6, 2009 2:02 PM:

" School bus drivers in a union. What a laugh. I wouldn't put my kid on a school bus no way no how. A lot are uneducated, or unemployable. I am not saying all are like that but it is a fact. I used to be one. Most of the drivers I worked with at first student just could not find jobs else where because of education, background ect... Now that they are joining a union they think it will get better. Get real. Your days are numbered. Look at how messed up the custodians got. Just wait it's coming "




To Bill wrote on Oct 6, 2009 1:58 PM:

" If you are a driver I am scared. You post makes no sense. Let me say unions can be good and bad. For the bus drivers it will be bad. There is no way the union will be able to negotiate higher
better benefits ect... Why not? First student can only pay the drivers what they can afford and that is dictated by what the district pays for the contract. If it gets to expensive 1 of 2 things happen. A new company who is non union will scoop up contract or drivers get fired and service get worse "




A Real Alaskan wrote on Oct 6, 2009 12:15 PM:

" Look around, a lot of alaskans are union. City, state, and borough employee so what, they don't use tax dollars! "




Jake wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:57 AM:

" What a bad one sided biased story. Where are the real numbers of what the drivers are paid, what kind of benefits they have ect... How about what kind of contract First Student has with the district already. Where are comment from the district and management of First Student. When this Virginia lady says they carry precious I am reminded of the many accidents last year, and the couple of times that kids were dropped at the wrong stop. I want more info on this. How will it hurt or help my student? "




bill wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:51 AM:

" what is wrong with you people we pick your kids you want unsafe buses cold buses unsafe .look around you there are lot of unions .
you can only hurt and pay the workers less the worker can only put with so much!!!! you union haters need to look at life around you, wake up. "




Stephanie wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:30 AM:

" To say workers who unionize should be fired show's a lack of understanding of the law and workers rights; not to mention an overall ignorance of what these workers go through on a daily basis. State/Federal law protects those who wish to unionize and prevents employers from spying or asking workers about their union beliefs, firing, demoting, transferring or unfairly giving discipline, and in most cases persuading workers who want to unionize. To do anything of the sort will immediately land you in State/Federal Court dealing with an Unfair Labor Practice charge. "




Mouth piece wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:12 AM:

" This is unfortunate that bus drivers and attendants felt the need to pay someone to speak for them. It will cost them in the long run not the contractor. The contractor bids on the transportation contract and we know it goes to the low bidder. So people when those dues come out of your pocket, hopefully you will feel some satisfaction. The union can only get you what the contractor is willing to give you. Good Luck! "




Rick wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:17 AM:

" Ok people, calm down for just a second. The bus drivers have needed a union for decades. This has nothing to do with real wages (double state min wage by law) but with safety and respect issues from Laidlaw/First Student. First Student bought Laidlaw and kept all the management from that poorly run company. A company with a history of cutting cost in maintenance and safety for company profit like cutting pre and post trip time this year. Instead of falling for the knee jerk reaction wait and see what happens. "




Too bad wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:15 AM:

" Another example of how tax dollars are slurped up by greed and bad Americans at work, or so they say! "




NewBusContract wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:07 AM:

" I do believe the school district chooses its bus company once every year or 2 years? Next time its up for vote, get a non union company! Rest assured, the money for this "union" will come from our property taxes....and if some have their way, from our sales tax. Screw the union.... "




re youre kidding wrote on Oct 6, 2009 7:47 AM:

" I HOPE THE BOROUGH DOES NOT RENEW THAT CONTRACT. WHEN IT GOES OUT TO BID I HOPE ANOTHER COMAPNY GETS IT AND HIRES REAL ALASKANS THAT ARE NON UNION. "

Count me in too. I don't want my tax dollars supporting democrats via the union thugs. Today's vote for the school board just got bumped up a couple of notches in importance. "




Rob wrote on Oct 5, 2009 10:28 PM:

" It's all about ME ME ME, what about the taxpayers you just shived in the back?
Screw them, right? Who do you think pays for your greed? All you are going to fund is the Union thug leadership. How disgraceful. You should all be fired. "




youre kidding right wrote on Oct 5, 2009 8:33 PM:

" IS THIS A JOKE? MORE UNION SHENANIGANS? WELL, THERE GOES MORE OF MY HARD-EARNED MONEY.

I HOPE THE BOROUGH DOES NOT RENEW THAT CONTRACT. WHEN IT GOES OUT TO BID I HOPE ANOTHER COMAPNY GETS IT AND HIRES REAL ALASKANS THAT ARE NON UNION. "




this is easy wrote on Oct 5, 2009 8:31 PM:

" fire the whole lot. no need to hire union kid shuttlers. fire em all and hire on people willing to work.

the unions will make concessions that will demand more of YOUR taxpayer money.

And for what? So they're represented and cannot be terminated for bad behavior?

Think they'll work harder? HA!

Fire every one of them. Put an announcement for positions on Craigslist and Alexis and hire new drivers. "