School Bus Company Told To Consider Hiring Critics

BOSTON (CN) - A school bus company violated labor law by refusing to hire, or even consider hiring, six drivers who wrote letters to a Massachusetts school district that criticized the company's alleged poor labor and safety record, the 1st Circuit ruled.

Though the drivers worked for another bus company when they slammed Five Star Transportation in letters and emails to the Belchertown School District, their criticisms were protected under the National Labor Relations Act as "concerted activity" meant to further group goals, a three-judge panel concluded.

The court held that Five Star engaged in unfair labor practices by rejecting the applications of drivers who helped dissuade the district from contracting with the bus company.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit