Union Files Complaint Over Firing of No. Stonington Bus Driver

New Britain, CT, Sept. 19, 2018 -- Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 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.

“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 low wages and 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.

• Click here to read the Council 4's NLRB Board complaint.
• Click here to read M&J's termination letter.

Council 4 represents 30,000 workers in the public and private sector. Find us online at www.council4.org, on Facebook at Council 4 AFSCME, on Twitter at AFSCMECT4 and on Instagram at council4_afscme.