Council 4 Files NLRB Complaint Over Firing of School Bus Driver

New Britain, CT, Sept. 18, 2018 -- Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) today filed a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that M&J Bus Inc., fired a North Stonington school bus driver due to union activity.

Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr said the NLRB complaint was prompted by M&J’s sudden firing of school bus driver Catrina Altman, who has worked for the company for 10 years, Altman was terminated Sept. 6, a week after she helped organize a first meeting between bus drivers and Council 4 Organizing Coordinator Kelly Martinez.

Click here to see the NLRB complaint.

“This is America and employees have a right to organize,” Barr commented. “We believe M&J acted unlawfully by firing Catrina. She had an impeccable employment record. She was loved by students and parents for her dedication to her job.”

Altman said a lack of respect from management helped fuel the drivers’ interest in organizing.

“We do love our jobs and the kids are great. We’re like a family on the bus. I could read the kids like a book. If something was bothering them, I knew it.

“We are constantly belittled by management and our wages are not keeping up,” Altman added. “That’s why we need a union. It’s the best way to gain the respect we deserve.”

Headquartered in Old Saybrook, M&J provides school transportation to 22 school districts in Connecticut, including North Stonington and other towns in eastern Connecticut. Altman’s firing leaves 11 drivers in North Stonington.

"We're going to continue advocating for Catrina and her co-workers. This is a fight for all workers," Barr said.

Click here to sign a petition on Catrina's behalf.

Council 4 AFSCME represents 30,000 workers across Connecticut in state and local government, and the private sector. Find us online at www.council4.org, on Facebook at Council 4, on Twitter at AFSCMECT4 and Instagram at Council4_AFSCME.