DeKalb school bus drivers threaten strike over pay cuts

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Dozens of DeKalb County school bus drivers are threatening to go on strike over pay cuts.

A group of school bus drivers said they have not gotten a raise in seven years and they are fired up.

The drivers protested in Decatur Monday night in an attempt to explain to the newly elected school board members that their pay is not enough to get by. Some teachers, cafeteria workers and custodians also participated in the protest.

In addition to years without a raise, the group said they are also struggling with this year's 6 percent pay cut.

"To get a paycheck you've been working for 14 years that is smaller than it was when you first started, it doesn't make sense," bus driver Cassandra Cook said.

Some educators contend that the DeKalb County school system is experiencing some of the worst financial problems in the state and that no one has gotten a raise for years

"The only thing we can do is look at what their concerns are, see what resources we have, and naturally, we will have to budget accordingly," Dr. Melvin Johnson of the Board of Education said.

The bus drivers have not said what their next step is or if and when they may strike.

WSBTV