Local drivers officially on strike, disrupting transportation for thousands of students

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Families across parts of the Tri-State could face a scramble to get children to school as a bus drivers’ strike looms in the Princeton City School District. (WKRC file)

SHARONVILLE, Ohio (WKRC) – Families across parts of the Tri-State are facing a scramble to get children to school after bus drivers went on strike in the Princeton City School District

UPDATE:According to a statement from First Student, the union will go on strike on Thursday. Additionally, First Student issued a statement in regard to the union’s decision to go on strike

“We were informed late this evening that the OAPSE/AFSCME Local #184, the union that represents First Student drivers who serve Princeton City Schools, will go on strike tomorrow morning, 10/1

First Student is deeply disappointed that Local #184’s leadership is choosing to move forward with a strike that will disrupt students, families, and schools across the Princeton City Schools community. This action threatens to interrupt transportation for approximately 5,900 students and place an unnecessary burden on families who rely on safe, dependable school bus service every day.”

The district’s transportation contractor, First Student, is in a contract dispute with the local bus drivers union. If the two sides do not reach a deal by midnight Wednesday, more than 5,000 students could be without bus service Thursday morning, affecting students at 11 schools, including eight elementary schools

Princeton City Schools will remain open Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 amid a possible First Student transportation work stoppage. (WKRC, file)

The dispute is between First Student and the Ohio Association of Public School Union, leaving the Princeton City School District caught in the middle

“We are not involved at the table,” Phillips said. “We obviously, we contract with them to provide transportation services.”

Negotiations have been going on for months without an agreement. The union says drivers do not get insurance and are paid so poorly that most qualify for Medicaid. The union is proposing a $3-an-hour raise in year one and $2 an hour in each of the next two years, along with a guarantee of a five and a half hour shift

The union says First Student is proposing a $2-an-hour raise, then $1 an hour over three years. First Student says its offer is well above the industry average

Phillips said the district has contingency plans if a deal is not reached

“We’re hoping they will reach resolution. If not, we have a plan in place to move forward,” she said

That plan includes an option for students who cannot get to school because of a strike to learn virtually. Some parents and caregivers questioned why the dispute is reaching a breaking point now

Families across parts of the Tri-State could face a scramble to get children to school as a bus drivers’ strike looms in the Princeton City School District. (WKRC file)

“It’s a disaster, and it’s something that should have been taken care of before school season started,” said Bryan Haverland, who picked up his grandchild from school Wednesday

Phillips acknowledged the strain on families

“So, we know it is a disruption. We know that it’s hard on parents. They’ve communicated that to us in one way or another. And so we just want this to end,” she said

Haverland said the uncertainty leaves families weighing difficult choices

“A lot of them are single parents, a lot of both parents work. What do you do?” he said. “I’m not sure what the other options are.”

A final round of negotiations was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday. If no deal is reached, the strike is set to begin at midnight. If it starts, it is expected to affect some students in Sharonville, Glendale, Lincoln Heights, Evendale, Woodlawn, and Springdale

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Source: dayton247now.com