ST. LOUIS — A Black mechanic for the company that provides school bus services for the St. Louis school district said he found a noose at his workstation, leading at least 100 drivers to stop work in a show of support.
The work stoppage began Monday and continued Tuesday for St. Louis drivers employed by Missouri Central School Bus. Most after-school activities in St. Louis Public Schools were called off both days. And 56 bus routes were uncovered Tuesday morning, forcing parents to make other plans.
“The allegations that surfaced Friday from the Missouri Central bus depot are upsetting, and it is our hope that management at Missouri Central will get to the bottom of what is clearly unacceptable behavior,” a statement from St. Louis Public Schools said. It also urged the company and its drivers to find “common ground” to resolve the stoppage.
“The families of Saint Louis Public Schools should not be the ones left suffering in this situation,” the statement said.
Mechanic Amin Mitchell said he found a noose last week at his workstation. Mitchell told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he believed the noose was meant to send a racist message to intimidate him after an argument with a manager over Mitchell’s concern that some bus brakes were inadequate.
Mitchell posted social media video of the noose, fashioned from a thin rope and lying on the floor in the area where he works.
“That’s a message that says, ‘If you don’t stop doing what you’re doing, something bad is going to happen right away,’” Mitchell told the newspaper. He didn’t immediately return messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Missouri Central said in a statement that it will hire an independent third party to investigate claims by Mitchell and others of racism.
“At Missouri Central, our policy is to provide and foster a work environment that is welcoming to all regardless of age, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation,” the statement said. “There is zero tolerance for any behavior that violates this policy.”
The state, city and county NAACP chapters called Tuesday for a federal or state investigation.
“The noose is a symbol of hate and sends a clear message of racial terror and the potential for violence,” Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said in a text message.
The drivers are members of Laborers’ International Union of North America. Because their contract does not permit strikes, drivers told the Post-Dispatch, they called in sick with “personal issues.”
In a recent incident that has sparked outrage and concern, a worker at a St. Louis school bus service facility discovered a noose hanging in a common area. The discovery of such a symbol of hate and racism has understandably shaken the worker and their colleagues, prompting calls for action and support from the community.
The worker who found the noose reported the incident to their supervisors, who immediately launched an investigation into the matter. The company also reached out to local authorities to ensure that the incident was properly documented and addressed. In response to the discovery, the company issued a statement condemning the act of racism and reaffirming their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.
Despite these efforts, the impact of the incident on the worker who found the noose cannot be understated. The discovery of such a symbol of hate can be deeply traumatic and triggering for individuals who have experienced racism or discrimination in the past. In order to support the worker through this difficult time, it is crucial for their colleagues and supervisors to show empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
One way in which the community can show support for the worker is by organizing a work stoppage in solidarity with them. By coming together to demand justice and accountability for the incident, employees can send a powerful message that acts of racism and discrimination will not be tolerated in their workplace. A work stoppage can also serve as a way to draw attention to the broader issue of systemic racism and inequality that persists in many workplaces across the country.
However, it is important to note that a work stoppage can have significant implications for the St. Louis school bus service and its clients. The disruption in service could impact students who rely on the bus service to get to and from school, as well as parents who depend on the service to transport their children safely. It is crucial for organizers of the work stoppage to consider these potential consequences and to communicate with all stakeholders about their intentions and goals.
In conclusion, supporting the worker who found the noose at the St. Louis school bus service facility is essential in order to ensure their well-being and to send a clear message that acts of racism will not be tolerated. Organizing a work stoppage can be a powerful way to show solidarity and demand justice for the incident, but it is important to consider the potential impact on the broader community and to communicate effectively with all stakeholders. By standing together in support of the worker, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.
