Darrell Braden Quotations

We have no benefits at all -- no sick leave. What most people have, we don't have it.

We want better wages, better benefits. It's not just about that. We think those things are necessary in order to keep an experienced workforce in place. Experienced drivers and monitors mean safer drivers and monitors on the roads.

People can't live on poverty wages and no benefits. Can't figure out whether you're going to feed your child or go to the doctor.

There was a time when I had a radio and wrote it up for problems, and for three to four months it didn't work. If you have a problem on the bus and something goes wrong, (a radio is) your only connection to help.

It's a big deal to feel appreciated. Many drivers and monitors do not feel that.

In response, we care about the students, too. That's why we're doing this. We have good drivers and monitors dedicated to children, and they're leaving because they cannot afford to stay. They cannot afford to live.

For the last 12 years, this has not been sent out to bid -- it's been automatically given. There's been no accountability.