Easton, Redding Bus Drivers to Lose Jobs Amid Contract Shuffle

EASTON, CT — Motor coach and school bus operator DATTCO has notified the state Department of Labor that the company expects to lay off 52 employees following the awarding of their Easton- Redding-Region 9 contract to rival carrier, First Student.

In a letter to the Rapid Response Coordinator at the DoL, DATTCO's director of civil rights and labor relations advised they will be clearing out their terminal located at 11 Durant Avenue in Bethel "by an estimated date of June 29."

The school districts' contract calls for Cincinnati-based First Student to operate, maintain, and manage all student transportation services for the next five years.

DATTCO's letter to the DoL expresses hope that some or all of the employees slated to be laid off will be picked up by their successor: "We are assuming that the new contractor will offer jobs to our existing drivers and monitors provided they meet First Students qualifications. While some employees may be transferred to another location, the number of employees expected to be laid off is 52."

According to the state's website, the Department of Labor's Rapid Response Team "is available to conduct, prior to layoffs, 'Early Intervention' sessions where employees can learn about unemployment benefits, job search assistance, and training opportunities. Information is also made available on health insurance options, community services, and local agencies that provide help, advocacy, and support to dislocated workers and their families."