Plum Bus Drivers, Officials Seek Fact Finder for Negotiations

The Plum School District and its bus drivers will be seeking a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board fact finder to aide during contract negotiations.

According to the Plum Advance Leader, negotiations between the two entities have stalled, and that had led to the decision.

The contract for transportation personnel expired July 31, and the district and union—which has about 60 people—have yet to agree on new terms. In September, several bus drivers addressed the school board at its voting meeting and urged officials to keep bus services in house.

Many said they are afraid the district will outsource transportation services in an attempt to save money. Earlier this year, district officials agreed to explore the option.

Fact finders appointed by the labor relations board listen to arguments presented by both sides, review the situation and then recommend a result.

According to the Advance Leader, school board President Andy Drake said the process could take several months.

The district already has used a fact finder in an attempt to negotiate a contract with its secretaries and administrative assistants union. However, the school board rejected the recommendation just last month.

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