WESTFIELD – School bus drivers cancelled a peaceful protest planned for tonight, now that a meeting has been set to discuss what some drivers said are continuous problems with the school department.
One driver, who spoke on the record with anonymity, said she was a long-time Westfield school bus driver and for the past six years, there has been what she described as a closed door policy with the current transportation administration. The source did not want to use her name because she is afraid of repercussions.
“We’re afraid,” she said. “We’re scared of losing our jobs.”
The source said the biggest problem is that when there is a problem or a complaint made against a driver, there is no communication or opportunity to explain what happened. When she was falsely accused of something, this driver said she was fired without an investigation.
“I could understand a temporary suspension while they looked into the situation, but I was sent a letter saying I was released from my job,” she said.
When she tried to speak to her school department supervisor, the woman said she was dismissed and not allowed to talk. She went to the mayor and local and state representatives and wrote numerous letters. She said eventually she was cleared of the accusation and reinstated, but she said there is no consideration given to drivers by the school department.
“The Lecrenskis have always been fabulous people to work for,” she added. “And they hold you to high standards.”
The driver said the contract for drivers is with the Lecrenski bus company. However, there is language that allows the school transportation department to fire drivers, she said. Lecrenski also has the ability to fire drivers, which are trained and hired by the company. The Westfield News has been working on getting a copy of the contract from the School Department since last week for this story. Requests were made to Director of Transportation Pamela Kotarski, Transportation Coordinator Noreen Jachym, and the Superintendent’s office.
“Anyone who gets fired is almost always from the transportation department,” said the source. “You get a letter saying you’re released from your job – that’s it. You don’t have any rights. It’s gotten out of hand.”
The driver we spoke with admitted that drivers do make mistakes, and some are severe. However, she said there seems to be no disciplinary chain and instead of suspensions or additional training, people are fired.
“It is a hard job,” she said. “You have to look in the mirror every few minutes at the kids, keep your eyes on traffic, and there is a radio you’re responsible for, and you are driving a large vehicle.”
The source said the meeting, as she understands it, is with school administration and a member of the school committee, as well as the bus driver’s union representative. While she is hopeful there will be a good outcome, she has her doubts.
“One person should never have the final say in any situation,” she said. “You should be able to talk, and we don’t get to talk to anybody. A teacher isn’t treated this way, a custodian isn’t treated this way . . . why are we treated this way?”
The driver said for her, she just wants to do the job she loves without being afraid of getting a release letter in the mail.
“I love what I do – it’s not for everyone – but I love it,” she said.
