Stan Rebackoff Letter to the Editor,

     The school bus drivers of Baumann & Sons voted to end their strike last Friday thanks to the diplomatic efforts of Bedford School Superintendent Bruce Dennis and transportation Director Tom Turner. We are grateful for their efforts, and as well to the efforts of the police and district bus drivers who helped maintain extraordinary traffic now. It should be clearly understood that our strike was not directed at the district, nor especially at the families and children we serve.

     The employees who stood for two days in the pouring rain and gave up two days pay, and the families that supported them, did not want to strike. We did so only because months and months of negotiating went nowhere. We have voted to return to work now only if both parties can sit down at the table and bargain in good faith.

     There is a lot of work to be done, and what we are asking for is not far-reaching. We would like to make a living wage, to be able to afford health care, to be paid for at least some holidays, and have some sort of means to save money before taxes. Once again thanks to all who support us. Bedford is a great place to raise and educate children, and we only want to do our part in a professional and responsible manner.

Stan Rebackoff

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