SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Union says it will continue Monday

(Friday morning photo courtesy of Al)

Monday is expected to be the third day of the First Student school-bus drivers’ strike in Seattle, according to their union, Teamsters Local 174, which posted this afternoon that “Since First Student still has not reached out to return to the negotiating table, the strike will be continuing on Monday.” The post also mentioned that West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold visited picketers this afternoon (they have lines up outside First Student bus yards in South Park and Lake City). The district said yesterday that the company expected to provide some service during the strike but did not publicly announce where, saying that affected families would be notified directly. The union says health-care benefits for workers’ families are a major point of contention.

M February 3, 2018 (6:54 am)

Please remember all of our great local non-profits that absolutely rely on recenue from schools. Bus strikes like this can have a hugely negative impact. So, if you can go take your kids or grandkids to a show at Seattle Children’s Theatre (the current Little Prince is amazing) or visit the Science Center or aquarium.

herongrrrl February 4, 2018 (4:11 pm)

The ripple effects of this strike are huge, and it isn’t just the bus drivers who are losing wages. Parents are having to stay home from work or leave work early, parents who work in other school districts (like me) have to make all kinds of special arrangements for coverage, after school childcare programs that rely on district transportation (and the families who need to use them) are also caught in the pinch. I’m furious to hear First Student hasn’t even tried to join the negotiations yet, and I’ve let them know. Feel free to give them a piece of your mind here:

http://www.firststudentinc.com/contact

Gawdger February 4, 2018 (9:38 pm)

Why is First Student the source of your angst? Start screaming at the Union who went on strike over a compensation package that tops the national average. So tired of this BS.

Parent February 4, 2018 (9:45 pm)

Against the strike,part time workers shouldn’t expect full time benefits. Sorry.

Louie February 5, 2018 (9:34 pm)

Herongrrl, when you say that the bus company hasn’t “tried to join the negotiations” what does that mean? they made an offer the union rejected it because they wanted pensions for part time jobs.

Sorry, comment time is over.