MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Marion County said miscommunication led to confusion among school bus drivers over whether they would still be working and getting all their pay.
Marion County Public Schools employees who can work from home are currently doing so, but starting this week those who can’t work from home were required to show up.
“Our area transportation directors contacted our bus drivers to let them know, ‘Hey, we’re planning for everyone to come back to work on Monday. Do you have special situations? Do you have anything you need?’” said Kevin Christian, with Marion County Public Schools.
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After the calls, some bus drivers were left with questions about the options available to them.
If they decided they didn't feel safe enough to return, district officials said the area directors mistakenly gave out inaccurate information about their options.
Officials said drivers are eligible to use sick or personal time and FMLA is also an option. But the latter is not the automatic choice that drivers must take, according to the district.
If drivers opt for FFCRA, according to the act, employees could receive "10 weeks of paid expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee's regular rate of pay."
The district also said it has person protective equipment for those who are coming back to work in order to make sure everyone stays safe.
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