Unionized bus drivers from across the country will rally in Kelowna next week to demand safer working conditions.

The Amalgamated Transit Union of Canada, which will hold its annual conference here next week, is concerned about an escalation in the number of physical assaults on bus drivers and have pointed to Kelowna as an example of problems they face every day on transit systems from coast to coast.

The union says on average there are two physical assaults of bus drivers in the Central Okanagan per month and one days last month alone, four drivers were attacked in separate incidents on one day.

But the problem of bus driver safety is not just here.

Across the country there are similar instances and concerns by drivers.

The union would like to see protective measures implemented to help drivers .

The Kelowna rally is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at 2 p.m. at the Queensway bus loop downtown. Withe ATC conference here, a large crowd is expected.