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Unions, clergy and community demand reinstatement for five Richmond bus drivers after April dismissals
Summary
Union and community leaders called on the Richmond Public Schools board to reinstate five bus drivers fired in April, arguing the drivers were denied due process and that the district has not followed grievance timelines.
Labor leaders, faith groups and several drivers spoke during public comment to call for the reinstatement of five Richmond school bus drivers who were terminated in April.
Brian Petruska, general counsel for the Lyuna Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Coalition speaking on behalf of Laborers Local 804, said, "An injustice has been done to the RPS 5, and it needs to be corrected. The school board's policy guarantees them an opportunity to respond to allegations of misconduct. This board's policy guarantees them a right to an appeal." He asked the board to follow its policies and hear the drivers'side.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other clergy joined the calls. A speaker representing the SCLC said, "If Dr. King were here today, he'd be standing right here with these people asking that you reinstate them." Drivers and union representatives said the district has not completed grievance timelines and that some drivers have not received due process or timely hearings; speakers said the dismissals have caused hardship.
Specific claims from drivers included allegations that some were wrongly accused of participating in a work stoppage and did not receive the required investigatory process before termination. One driver said he had been a district floater and had not been assigned activity routes and therefore could not have participated in the alleged coordinated action.
Why it matters: The dismissals intersect with labor and due-process questions and come as the district plans summer transportation hiring and operations. Union representatives warned that if drivers leave for neighboring jurisdictions the district could face shortages.
What the board did: No formal reinstatement or personnel action was taken during the public comment period. Speakers asked the board to follow its own appeal procedures and to meet the drivers so the full facts are presented.
What was requested: Union counsel asked that the board allow the drivers to present facts under the board's policy guaranteeing an appeal and urged the board to pursue a fair process to reach a just outcome.
Next steps: Community and union leaders said they are prepared to pursue further action if the board does not act; they also urged the board to complete grievance and appeal steps defined in district policy rather than leave matters unresolved.
