Charles Co. school bus driver sick-out has minimal impact

LA PLATA, Md. - About two dozen Charles County school bus drivers called out Tuesday over demands for increased pay and the right to unionize.

The sick-out involved 21 of the county's 276 school bus drivers, according to Charles County Public Schools. All of the drivers were replaced, but some buses ran up to 30 minutes late.

"The vast majority of bus drivers in Charles County came to work this afternoon and fulfilled their commitment to our students. Bus drivers care about our students and work hard to build positive relationships with them. Many bus drivers refer to students as 'my kids,' and I appreciate that they didn't let them down today," Superintendent Kimberly A. Hill said in a statement.

FOX 5's Jim Lokay reports that many parents chose to pick up their children from school Tuesday afternoon instead of relying on the buses.

In Charles County, 26 independent contractors provide the school bus services for students.