New Documentary Features California Local 1741 Bus Operators

An upcoming documentary shines a spotlight on San Francisco’s School Bus Operators as they literally “took the wheel” of their union and made their mark on labor history.  
 
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1970s, “School Bus Movie” takes an in-depth look at the drivers’ fight to be paid their worth and treated with the dignity and respect that were rightfully theirs.  

Watch the trailer for “School Bus Movie” and learn more about the film. ► 

Family Connection to Bus Strikes in 1973, 1976 

For filmmaker and director Max Stein, it’s a story that’s personal to tell: his father, Paul, is a retired school bus driver and member of Local 1741 (San Francisco, Calif.) as well as a former General Chairperson of GCA-SFS.  
 
Growing up, Max knew that his dad did a lot more than drive a school bus.  
 
“I always looked up to him and saw him doing important work and helping people that got unfairly fired,” he explained. “Coming from a union family, I know the importance of organized labor in today’s economy and the world in general.”  
 
When the elder Stein was hired as a bus operator in 1971, Max said that he didn’t know anything about unions but learned very quickly, especially when strikes took place in 1973 and 1976.  
 
“During that time, he was part of turning the workplace into one where drivers had been getting starvation wages and no benefits to one where the San Francisco school bus drivers were the highest-paid private bus drivers in the country,” he said. “Even though he’s retired now, he still mentors some of [the current operators regarding] new contracts and other things.” 

A Lesson from California’s Past: People have the Power

Now in post-production after work began in 2015, Max notes that he feels a sense of urgency to share this story sooner rather than later, especially since some of the operators featured have passed away.  
 
“A large part of the story is from 50 years ago. It goes back and forth between more current day struggles that the union has been facing and the ones back in the 70s,” he said. “I know that people aren’t going to be around forever to see this.” 
 
It’s been particularly bittersweet for his father.  
 
“I think he was really moved to see a lot of old faces…that he hadn’t seen since he was in his 20s. I think he feels that having this story memorialized, the people in it memorialized, and the accomplishments of the local memorialized, that means a lot to him.”  
 
Whether viewers are familiar with organized labor or not, Max hopes that they’re able to come away with a new appreciation for unions. 
 
“I made [this film] for everyone, including people who know nothing about unions,” he explained. “I wanted to show that…these are actual school bus drivers who drive kids to and from school every day and are trying to feed their families.”  
 
“I want people to take away from the film that they do have power and if they stick together and they are organized, that people can make a difference, and hopefully it can empower people.” 

DISCLAIMER: School Bus Movie is an independent production currently in development. SMART-TD has no affiliation with, does not sponsor, endorse, finance, and/or fundraise for the film, and expressly disclaims any responsibility for or warranties related to the film, its content, production, financing, and/or distribution.