School bus drivers and the mechanics who work on those buses say the system needs proper resources and attention.

Their union is responding to last week’s report from New Brunswick’s auditor general looking into student transportation.

Among other issues, it found dozens of buses with overdue inspections and hundreds more with overdue maintenance.

“Our members are dedicated employees who ensure the safety and well-being of our children every day,” CUPE Locals 1253 and 1190 said in a news release.

“Yet, they are often forced to work under precarious conditions, with low wages that do not reflect the critical nature of their work.”

RELATED: Not all school bus drivers meet licencing, training requirements: audit

The union said “excessive management personnel” also fail to provide the necessary oversight and support, which further exacerbates these issues.

In addition to maintenance issues, the AG noted instances of non-compliance with legislation, including drivers licencing requirements, appropriate driver abstracts, criminal record checks, physical fitness, and bus driver training.

Legislation requires that school bus drivers have at least a Class 2 licence with a B or C endorsement. Of the 65 driver files tested, 38 per cent of drivers did not have an appropriate class license at the time of hire.

One in five driver files tested had no evidence of a criminal record check, 37 per cent could not prove they had completed bus driver training at the time of hire, and 42 per cent did not have proof of first aid training.

“The report’s findings of missing paperwork [and] lack of training evidence makes bus drivers including mechanics, mechanic supervisors, and automotive inspectors look bad when this is the employer’s responsibility to keep adequate records, ensure training is properly carried out and that all certifications are up to date,” said CUPE.

The union is making several demands of government, including a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy, “competitive and respectful wages,” along with more front-line workers and fewer managers.

CUPE also wants to see the province reinstate in-house bus bodywork and painting rather than contracting out.