NLRB, S.C. AFL-CIO Officials Speak at School Bus Press Conference

National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Fred Feinstein and South Carolina ALF-CIO president Ken Riley will speak Tuesday on a panel called by Teamsters Local 509, the union representing school bus drivers in Charleston and Dorchester counties.

The bus drivers called the press conference to address "serious concerns over bus safety, service and working conditions" under their employer Durham School Services. The union represents three school districts in the state — Charleston County School District, Dorchester County School District Two and Beaufort County School District — all of which have privatized their bus fleets.

S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston will join Feinstein and Riley on the panel.

Tuesday's event is 5:45 p.m. at Embassy Suites in North Charleston. 

After the press conference, bus drivers will testify at a forum about workplace safety and service issues that may impact the safe transportation of area school children. The drivers will be joined by international guests, including trade unionists, civil rights, political and faith leaders, who will participate in the forum.

Local community leaders and members will also be in attendance.