Q&A
Council member inquires about bus driver shortages and contract negotiations
1:03:28
·
97 sec
Council Member Farah Louis asks about DOE's efforts to address the shortage of 300 bus drivers, ensure competitive wages, and comply with labor laws in new contracts. She also raises concerns about school buses being parked in residential areas, causing disruptions and safety risks.
- Inquires about steps to ensure accountability from school bus operators
- Asks about enforcement measures for parking violations
- Requests information on safety protocols for buses parked in residential areas
Farah Louis
1:03:28
Thank you, Chairrs, Juan, and Joseph for this hearing.
1:03:31
Very important hearing.
1:03:33
I have 3 quick questions, so I'm gonna just ask them all because I know the material in time.
1:03:37
So I know negotiations are still going with ATU, local 111, 81 regarding new contracts.
1:03:46
And we know that there's a a shortage of 300 drivers right now.
1:03:51
And we need to fill those gaps.
1:03:52
So I wanted to know how is the DOE addressing the shortage to ensure competitive wages and the new contracts for those drivers?
1:04:02
What provisions are being put in place?
1:04:06
To ensure that contracts comply with label laws and regulations.
1:04:10
And just a quick question on my district.
1:04:14
In my district, there's a frequent issue with school buses being abandoned and left parked on Residential Street during an after school hours, causing disruptions in the community, what steps is the DOE taking to ensure accountability from school bus operators, including New York City school buses to prevent this from continuing and what enforcement measures are in place to address these parking trends, and how is the DOE addressing safety risks associated with school buses being parked in residential areas, and are what protocols or regulations, does the deal we have within current contracts to ensure school bus drivers adhere to the local residential parking regulations while maintaining the safety of both residents and our scholars.
1:05:02
If you need me to repeat any of those, let me know.
1:05:04
Thank you.
