WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Bus drivers walk out in day two of their demonstration against the Winston Salem Forsyth County School District.
According to the district, 50 bus drivers were absent today. WFMY News 2's Taylor Leverett spoke to some bus drivers who say change is not happening fast enough.
"I hope that they will hear us and do something," said Amanda Henry-Winston, a bus driver with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school district. Another driver who did not want to share their name agreed.
"We do need better pay for what we have to deal with," they said.
The drivers say they are fed up which is why for a second day they are walking out, demanding change from the district.
"The pay needs to be higher than what it is. $16.20 is not enough," Henry-Winston said.
"Parents are an issue too. Some parents are coming on the bus trying to confront other kids or other drivers," they said.
The district shared a letter saying "The driver's voices have been heard and changes are coming". A first time bus driver says the change is long overdue.
"A lot of concerns, they've been asking for this for years before I even came. They've been asking for the same things," they said.
Current pay for Winston-Salem Forsyth County School district is $16.69 - $27.23 per hour. In the Triad, Alamance-Burlington School System's bus driver pay starts at $17.47 per hour.
In Guilford County, bus driver pay ranges from $16.30 - $23.76 per hour.
Some bus drivers say they did not want the walk out to happen but there was nothing else they could do.
"I'm standing with my group and I'm gonna continue to stand here and we're hoping that we see some positive results," Henry-Winston said.
"We're needed. How are the kids gonna get to school? Parents have to get to work. So, if this doesn't work, I don't know, they might not just have any drivers," they said.
WS/FCS Bus driver Pay
The drivers are protesting pay issues. The walkout reflects growing frustration among drivers who feel their concerns about compensation and working conditions are not being adequately addressed.
Bus drivers did receive an 11% total pay raise over two years, according to the school board.
The school district is taking action to improve the experience for its school bus drivers and students, addressing concerns around behavior, pay clarity, and communication.
"We're meeting with all of our safety teams to address specifically the safety of our bus drivers but also with our parents to make sure they understand the expectation of bus behaviors," said Dr. Fabby Williams, WSFCS Deputy Superintendent.
Next Steps
WS/FCS district plans to host meetings on December 10 and 12 for all drivers with Human Resources. At that meeting you will receive your letter, hear an explanation of how pay was calculated, and learn what the district is doing to increase pay. You will have an opportunity to ask questions.
