NYC Wants to Boost Funding for School Crossing Guards

New York City lawmakers want to improve working conditions for school crossing guards. 

 

The NYPD says there are currently 127 vacant crossing guard positions. And City Council Member Brad Lander says the job's low pay and part-time hours are to blame. 

 

Lander's calling for a significant increase in funding for crossing guards in the city's fiscal year 2016 budget. He says crossing guards deserve full-time jobs with full benefits and a living wage. 

 

"Keeping our kids safe when they're walking to-and-from school, there's almost nothing that's more important; so that job is critical," Lander says." Getting the resources necessary to get the crossing guards out there is an essential one."

 

The union representing NYPD crossing guards says it's already negotiated a pay increase for next year. But Lander says but more funding's needed for comprehensive reform.