KHSD bus drivers plan rally over wage negotiations

BAKERSFIELD, CA- Some Kern High School District employees plan to rally Thursday afternoon, to bring attention to salary negotiations.

Labor representatives said the wage of classified workers-mostly bus drivers--- hasn't changed since 2007. They estimate there are 1,400 classified workers at KHSD.

Labor representatives said they've been negotiating with the district for about six months, but haven't reached a deal.

California School Employees Association labor relations representative Martin Mejia said  classified workers make between 14 and 20 dollars an hour. He said that hasn't changed in seven years.

Mejia said, "We take a look at the community and what other districts are paying out or putting on the scale for other classified employees, teacher, and it's been around 3.5%, 4%."

KHSD spokesman John Teves said district officials were not aware of the plan to rally. He said in an email, negotiations are ongoing, and have been amicable.

Mejia said they will meet again Thursday at 1:30pm, after the rally at noon.

A 3.5% raise would increase a classified worker's pay by .50 to .70 per hour.