Minnesota lawmakers debate snow-day relief as hourly school workers worry about pay

As Minnesota lawmakers debate whether to give schools relief from making up for this year’s long list of weather-related cancellations, many of the state’s school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and other hourly workers are worrying about their paychecks.

Unlike teachers and school administrators, who earn salaries and are paid even when snowstorms and frigid windchills close schools, school districts’ armies of hourly employees typically go without pay when school is canceled. After a winter in which many districts shut down for six, eight or even 12 days, many of those workers are feeling financially pinched — and anxious that districts will shorten their school year without making up for the reduction in wages.

http://www.startribune.com/lawmakers-debate-snow-day-relief-as-hourly-school-workers-worry-about-pay/507494322/