BATHURST – School bus drivers were disappointed yesterday following the Minister of Education's press conference at Bathurst High School concerning the recommendations from the Coroner's Inquest into the deaths of 7 basketball players and a teacher.  Roland Haché announced that the two recommendations that they were most hoping would be implemented will not be enforced - namely the use of Class 2B drivers and school buses for extra-curricular trips.

"The union feels that the community should not be responsible for transporting students on extra-curricular trips," emphasized Delalene Harris Foran, President of CUPE Local 1253.  "This should not be left up to volunteers or overworked teachers.  Priority number one should be the safety of kids.  Our position is that the government should not run away from this.  They need to put money into co-curricular and extra-curricular trips."

Despite the two multi-functional vehicles on display at the press conference intended for Bathurst High School, Roland Haché did not commit the Department of Education to put them in all school districts.  In fact, those two vehicles were donated.  Mr. Haché's announcement made it clear that there will be no substantial change to the current policy of no funding for extra-curricular activities, be it sports, music or student clubs.

"Roland Haché says that Priority No. 1 is the safety of kids," said Ms. Harris Foran.  "However, it seems to us that money is an issue here, and it shouldn't be.  Students should only be travelling by school bus or multi-functional activity bus which are driven by our paid professional drivers."

The Department of Education's response to each of the jury's recommendations was circulated to parents just before the press conference took place.  This document reflects that current policies in place would continue to be implemented, with some minor changes such as providing overnight contingency kits and information binders.   In addition, it stated that the current winter maintenance program of the Department of Transportation would not be improved.  However, the school bus drivers' union finds that this is just more of the same, namely funding cutbacks to public services.

"I don't know why they don't ban 7-passenger vans along with 15-passenger vans.  They are just as dangerous," Ms. Harris Foran elaborated.  "And I don't know why they are continuing to use volunteer drivers.  It doesn't make sense.  We feel that our drivers are the most qualified and the most experienced.  Instead of 7 hours training that will be given to volunteers, we receive 40 hours plus on-bus training.  We have to have medical, driving and first aid tests every two years, plus refresher courses as well."

CUPE Local 1253 vows to continue putting pressure on the Department of Education to fund co-curricular and extra-curricular trips.  Said Ms. Harris Foran, "I hope that the Minister takes a second look into the issues of qualified bus drivers driving school or multi-functional activity buses considering the tragic event for the Boys in Red on January 12, 2008."

CUPE Local 1253, the New Brunswick Council of School District Unions, represents over 2100 school bus drivers, school custodians and maintenance repairworkers province-wide.

For more information, please contact:

Delalene Harris Foran, President, CUPE Local 1253, 624-8349

VS : mv/cope491