Detroit Bus Drivers Stage Sick-Out

Demand police protection

Bus service in Detroit is at a halt today, as the Detroit Department of Transportation accuses drivers of participating in a sick-out.

About 150 drivers began protesting at 10 a.m. today in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

"We are sorry to announce that the bus drivers' union has scheduled a sick-out on Monday, Oct. 21," says a recording on the DDOT phone number. "Bus service will not be in operation. When service is fully restored, the department will inform all. Again, we are sorry for this inconvenience."

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26's president and business agent, Fred Westbrook, today denied telling drivers to call in sick to attend the rally where drivers carried signs as they marched in a circle.