Baldwin County Bus Drivers Seek Pay Raise
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – David Wilson is one of many Baldwin County bus drivers that believes he's well overdue for a pay increase.
Bus operators in Baldwin County make about $10.50 per hour. In a pay study, Wilson's group found that in Bibb County, the starting average for bus drivers is $12.72; in Hancock County, the starting average is $12.00 and in Wilkinson County starting average is $17.14 per hour.
"I just want it to be equal for all drivers," Wilson said. The bus drivers in Baldwin County don't plan to strike, but they do want competitive pay.
After years of stalling efforts to push for a pay increase, Wilson formed a committee with fellow bus drivers. He drafted a letter and presented it to the Baldwin County Board of Education. The bus operators want a 30% pay increase, bus aides, insurance cost, and incentives towards training cost. Wilson said so far the response has been positive.
"The board members that I have talked to are saying that they have to do something, they want to do something," Wilson said.
His only concern now, is can the board afford to do something? In the past, Wilson feels bus drivers have been overlooked in the budget and now he's not sure if the system can cover the costs to meet the driver's demand.
Wilson will meet with the board of education during the regular work session on February 11 at 5:30 p.m.
