Drivers Call Out Of Work, No School Bus Service In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — About 80 bus employees called out of work on Monday in Greenwich to show support for a fellow driver who was recently cited for what the school district viewed as unsafe driving.

Greenwich Public Schools spokesperson Jonathan Supranowitz said they were made aware at 5:30 a.m., on Monday that drivers would not be showing up to work.

The district then contacted parents at 6 a.m., alerting them to find alternate ways for their children to get to school.

Greenwich police officers were dispatched to certain areas Monday to help alleviate any traffic problems caused by the lack of buses.

The mass call-out of drivers, who work for the bus company First Student Inc., stems from a recent complaint filed against driver Nadia Micourt by Deputy Superintendent of GPS E. Ann Carabillo.

In a letter to First Student managers on April 3, Carabillo wrote to "disqualify" Micourt from being able to drive a school bus in Greenwich.

Carabillo detailed an incident from March 31 in which she was behind Micourt's bus at the time of school dismissal from North Street School to Lower Cross Road.

Micourt was driving between 20-26 miles per hour, and there were many cars behind her, according to Carabillo.

"She crossed the double yellow line more than 15 times. When she approached the curves, she strayed into the oncoming lane (crossing the double yellow line) and one was not able to see if there was oncoming vehicles," Carabillo said in her letter. "When she approached Lower Cross Road, she put on her signal light and was partially in the oncoming lane. As a result of this dangerous behavior, this driver should be removed immediately."

Supranowitz said the school district cannot fire any driver since they are not GPS employees.

However, the district's contract with First Student states that GPS and the town have the right to require the company to remove a driver if they don't meet qualifications, or if they pose a risk to students, without prior approval from the board of education.

The board of education can reinstate a driver.

Frank McCann, senior director of organizing for Transport Workers Union Local 100, called the decision to remove Micourt "a horrendous abuse of power."

"It appears an assistant superintendent became frustrated and upset because she was caught behind a slow moving school bus, went to her district office, and decertified the driver. As a result, the driver can’t work in the district," McCann said in a statement. "The administrator reportedly said the bus operator crossed the yellow traffic line on the road. The district didn’t bother to look at the video before the draconian action was taken, nor did it give the driver the chance to defend herself. No hearing. No due process. Nothing."

Supranowitz told Patch the cameras inside the bus are not designed to review road decisions, and are not dash cameras. The cameras are for supervision of passengers and to review who enters and exits the bus, he said.

McCann went on to say that Micourt is a veteran driver of 20 years, and doesn't have a single accident on her record. He noted that the union and bus company reviewed video from the bus and found no wrongdoing or dangerous driving.

"If she crossed the center line it was done briefly while passing cars parked on the right side of the road, and while there was no traffic approaching in the opposite lane," McCann added. "The company offered to retrain the driver but the district refused."

According to McCann, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo met with the union on Monday.

"He offered to facilitate mediation with the school district to find an acceptable resolution. We are grateful for his willingness to help and hope this avenue can be pursued," McCann said in an update Monday night.

McCann also said he met with Carabillo.

"Unfortunately, she showed no interest at the meeting in finding an alternative to the draconian punishment she unilaterally imposed without a hearing or any opportunity for our driver to offer a defense," McCann said. "TWU Local 100 drivers and bus matrons love the kids of the district. Their safety is our top priority. We are encouraging the drivers and monitors to return to work tomorrow, but this fight is not over. We will be holding a rally, and taking other action, in the coming days and weeks."

Gus Moghrabi, school bus division chair, TWU Local 100, said, "the union doesn't support a strike, but the drivers are obviously angry and frustrated."

Jen Biddinger, communications manager for First Student, said the company was "disappointed" that transportation service was not provided in Greenwich Monday.

"We understand the frustration this caused families, especially on such short notice," she said in an email to Patch. "Unfortunately, we had a number of employees call off today. We hope they return to work [Tuesday]. We remain in close contact with the district and will keep them updated on staffing."

Biddinger could not provide further comment, citing this as a personnel matter.

Patch has reached out to Micourt for comment.