WS/FCS bus drivers end strike, new plan is on the table for discussion

After about 20% of all bus drivers that work for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) went on strike last week, they’ve reached an agreement with district leaders and are heading back to work.  Here’s what we know: The strike began on Monday, Nov. 25, when about 23 bus drivers called out, affecting about 60 different routes across the district. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, 36 drivers called out, affecting about 126 routes.  While many of the drivers are demanding an increase in pay, a bigger issue for some is the behavior on the bus. Drivers have said on almost a daily basis they have to deal with vulgar and disrespectful language, fights, and illegal substance use. Jamie Hairston, who has over 30 years of experience driving for the district, said she decided to go from fulltime to part-time when the job became too stressful a few years ago. “When I first started it was an enjoyable job, but as time went on and the behavior just kept getting worse, I just couldn’t do it full time anymore,” she said.  Hairston said after they report discipline problems, students are usually just sent to ISS (In-School Suspension) but they were still allowed on the...