School bus drivers prepare for opening challenges

School bus drivers across the U.S. and Canada are concerned as education districts develop plans to keep students and drivers safe. And, safety is not the only problem as some areas are experiencing a severe shortage of drivers.

It’s been ‘rough’ Local President Michael Cordiello, 1181-New York, NY, says it has been “rough” for him and his members since the pandemic started. “It is a new world, and we are going to be learning as we go because there is no way to learn any other way in this situation,” Cordiello says. Driver shortages School systems across northeastern Ontario are facing a severe shortage of school bus drivers – 60% of whom are over 60. The reduced number of available operators is causing school bus route cancellations and delays in the province.

New York school bus drivers are getting used to new procedures that limit buses to 25% capacity, and requirements that include daily disinfecting, masks for drivers and students, and proper air circulation. Cordiello says that drivers will run front defrosters on high on the fresh air cycle (not recycled air) and will open bus windows.

Cordiello also says that Local 1181 drivers will “work hand-in-hand” with parents “to ensure them that they are going to get a safe ride for their kids.” v

DONALD TRUMP CALLS VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY ‘LOSERS AND SUCKERS’

That’s right! Atlantic Magazine quoted four sources as saying that Donald Trump while standing outside a military cemetery called veterans and members of the Armed Services “losers” and “suckers.”

In contrast, Joe Biden concluded his video address to the 2019 ATU International Convention saying: “And I promise you, if I’m elected your President, I will ensure that you are given the respect you deserve. May God bless you. May God protect our troops. Thank you.”

The Atlantic article also alleged that President Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain.

On Veteran’s Day last year, the ATU said, “We particularly thank our many ATU members who have served in our country’s armed forces. … Our veterans embody exceptional character and integrity that should be valued in our society.”

Send Donald Trump a message that we honor our men and women in uniform for their service and dedication to our country. Our veterans and service men and women are heroes! v