Pocono News Section

Williamsport School Board Votes in New Bus Contractor

Williamsport School Board Votes in New Bus Contractor - Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 11:57PM EST

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY-The Williamsport School Board voted Tuesday night to contract out their school bus service. By a 8 to one vote, board members voted for a seven year contract with the Student Transportation of America.
The district says it's a cost saving measure.
It means 40 bus drivers and aids jobs are in limbo.
"These people came to work, they spent their paychecks in twon. Says Union President Chip Harter "And granted, the new drivers that they hire or keep are going to work for less money, their going to have less money to spend in this town."
Harter added, "I just think that they're going to lose the dedication that they've bought, and the school board's earned, over the years of treating these people fairly. Now they're going to be dealing with a company that can hire anybody they want."

The new company says it will interview the current bus drivers and aids for jobs