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WRIGHT TWP. — When the Rinehimer Bus Line Co. lost the contract for the Crestwood School District, many of its employees worried if they would have any work.
Almost all of the company’s employees signed a ‘no-compete covenant’ in a show of support for the bus line shortly before the Crestwood School Board voted to award Historic Mountain Top Hotel Inc. the district’s busing contract.
Rinehimer owner Scott Henry is repaying that loyalty by finding work for his employees. He said he’s going to subcontract his drivers to other companies — whether it’s to Martz Bus Co., of which he is president, or other lines who need drivers.
Henry, who bought the company in 2012, said he “respects the employees at Rinehimer and has gotten to know them since taking over.”
Henry said he has already “committed about 15 drivers to contractors in surrounding schools” for the upcoming school year.
Rinehimer Manager Paul Gallagher confirmed that he was asked by Historic Mountain Top Hotel owner Kevin Foley to work for him. Gallagher said that was “quickly off the table” as he continues to work for Rinehimer.
Foley could not be reached for comment.
Drivers for Rinehimer are grateful to Henry.
“I love my job,” Pattie Ostrowski, of Dorrance Township, said. “I believe Scott will pull us through this.”
Other drivers echoed Ostowski’s sentiments.
“(Henry) is someone to look up too,” Charles Bray, of Slocum Township, said.
Ostrowski said Henry is a “great employer.” He said Henry did a lot for the employees even when he couldn’t because of the debt of the bus line. Bray said Henry is a good employer because he’s transparent.
“He let’s us know what’s going on,” Bray noted.
Since he’s only been with Rinehimer for three years, Gallagher said he was surprised when almost all of the employees signed the agreement to continue to work for the company.
“It was very gratifying,” Gallagher said.