New York’s school bus system ground to a halt Wednesday in the first strike by drivers in three decades, leaving 152,000 children looking for alternative ways to get to class.
The union, ATU Local 1181, did not say how long the strike, called over a disagreement with the city on job security, would continue.
“The mayor can end this strike at any time,” the union said in a message urging parents to petition City Hall in support of the drivers.
The strike also included staff known as matrons who oversee the children as they get on and off buses.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg accused the union of “abandoning” the tens of thousands of students and their families who rely on school buses.
“The first days will be extremely chaotic,” schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott told 1010 WINS radio. “It hasn’t happened in New York City in over 33 years.”
The city announced that subway tickets would be given free of charge to students and that parents forced to use cars or taxis for the school run would be reimbursed.
The dispute centers on the city’s decision to open new contracts for 1,100 bus routes set to expire this year to outside bidders.
Bloomberg says the competition is essential to reduce costs of $1.1 billion a year, which he said came to $6,900 per child, by far the highest rate in the United States.
The union said the main issue was keeping experienced staff in the buses.
“The union’s hand has been forced by Mayor Bloomberg, who requested bids for contracts without critical safeguards that help ensure our children’s safety,” the union statement said.
“Our children deserve the best, and that is what this fight is about.
New York school bus drivers go on strike
