The New York City schools chancellor Dennis Walcott is suggesting parents of 152,000 students to find alternative ways to get to class due to the threatening a school bus strike.
Officials of Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union say they're trying to avert a strike, but school officials are taking the necessary steps. The city is offering reimbursements and Metrocards to parents who would need transportation alternatives.
If they're younger, a parent or guardian also would get a MetroCard to escort a child. And in the case of special needs children, families would get reimbursed for non-public transportation.
"A strike would affect our most vulnerable students," Chancellor Dennis Walcott told a news conference at the Manhattan headquarters of the Department of Education Sunday.
The children who use the yellow school buses include 54,000 with disabilities, the chancellor said, and the "union should stop playing games, issuing threats of striking" — but not saying which day it might happen.
"The union has said, 'Well, maybe on Monday, well maybe Wednesday, maybe we'll do it, maybe we won't do it.' They're jerking our kids around," Walcott said. "We can't allow that to happen."
The city is looking to cut transportation costs and has put bus contracts up for a bid. The union is contesting the lack of employee protections saying many current drivers could suddenly lose their jobs once their contracts are up in June.
A strike would impact all students who use the buses, including parochial and private schools.
New York City has 1.1 million students in its school district.
For more information visit the NYC Department of Education website.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:42:40 GMT
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its animatronics dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals. The ride
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its exhibit of animatronics. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:20:11 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:18:28 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:43:15 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
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