Bus drivers threaten to strike over nonpayment

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Bus drivers in Cobb County are threatening to strike over payroll issues.

“They’re not receiving full paychecks, or no paychecks at all,” said Britt Dunams, who represents the Transit Union.

Dunams told Channel 2's Sophia Choi that the problems started in March when the county hired a new company to run the Cobb Linc buses.

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“On the average, they've been shorted $150 up to whole paychecks, for the whole pay period, for the two weeks," said Dunams.

“These workers have mortgages, they have car notes, they have child care. And they're not being able to meet their obligations because the payroll is not being done effectively," said Kenneth Howell, another Transit Union representative.

Drivers said some of them got debit cards in payment that either did not work or charged fees to use.

Channel 2 Action News contacted Cobb County leaders, who referred us to First Transit spokesman Jay Brock. He issued a statement:

"We are aware of one instance where an employee had an issue depositing a payroll check. We are working to resolve the issues as quickly as they are brought to our attention. If employees have any issues, the company says please bring them to First Transit's management's attention."

The problems are taking a toll not just on drivers, but on their bank accounts.

“It normally cuts down the morale of most drivers, because we need to get it correct,” bus driver Stanley Howard said.

Dunams said drivers plan to strike if the issue is not resolved in the next couple of days.

Cox Media Group