Wenatchee Bus Drivers to Begin Picket Rallies

Nine months of negotiations between the Wenatchee School District and its drivers are now escalating despite talks moving into mediation.

School bus driver Laura Fox said the district's 28 contracted drivers, and handful of sub drivers, are asking to be treated with respect and be able to earn a living wage.

"Every couple years multiple different contracts are being negotiated with the school district, and right now it's our turn." Fox stated, "We are currently in mediation to resolve the contract negotiations, and it's now time to inform the public which is why we are starting to do picket rallies."

Fox is still hopeful that the negotiations are resolved soon.

"We love our jobs. We love what we do. We love serving the community and being with the kids and getting them to school safely. We want to continue doing that, but we are small in number and we really need to make an impact." Fox added, "So if possible, come out and join us, stand with us, so that we can work together for a fair contract."

The first picket rally will be this Friday, January 24th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the corner of Orondo and Chelan Avenues.

The other three picket rallies are as follows:

• • January 28th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the corner of Ferry Street and Mission Street
  • January 28th: 5:30 pm, before the regularly scheduled school board meeting at the district office, 235 Sunset Ave
  • January 29th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the corner of Fifth Street and Mission Street