SAU No. 5
Superintendent James Morse
36 Coe Drive
Durham, NH 03824
For Immediate Release
Friday, April 6, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Oyster River Revises Bus Driver Contract to Offer More Competitive Rates and Benefits
DURHAM — Superintendent James Morse is pleased to report that the Oyster River Cooperative School District is offering a competitive pay model to bus drivers in an effort to attract qualified candidates despite a statewide shortage.
In September, Oyster River began the school year with six drivers fewer than needed to run the bus routes effectively.
To rectify the situation, the Oyster River School Board researched the pay and benefits of school bus drivers across the region and, working with Local 877 of the International Union of Operating Engineers representing the drivers, negotiated a revised contract that would go into effect on July 1, 2018.
The new three-year contract was approved by voters in March. Highlights include six additional pay steps, moving from a 10-step model to a 16-step model.
Starting pay for bus drivers in the first year of the new contract jumped 35 cents per hour, moving the rate from $15.25 to $15.60. Depending on experience, drivers on the top step will see an increase of $2.45 per hour — from $18.40 to $20.85. It is also now possible for drivers to earn a bonus of up to $1,000 per year for perfect attendance.
Drivers will receive health insurance and dental insurance, along with 11 paid holidays per year. An added contract feature now offers drivers a guaranteed work week of 20 – 30 hours, depending on how many hours a driver wishes to work.
“We feel this new contract greatly improves the working conditions for Oyster River drivers,” Superintendent Morse said. “With these changes, we are in a more competitive spot in the southeast corner of New Hampshire to attract qualified and quality drivers.”
Those who wish to apply for a bus driver position can do so here.
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