(NEW YORK CITY) - School Bus Employees have voted to authorize a Strike, which could potentially cause massive disruptions for tens of thousands of New York City Public School students and their families at the start of the school year.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1181 is negotiating contracts with several private companies contracted with the City Public School System to provide school bus service.

In June, ATU Members overwhelmingly voted to approve a Strike against some of the companies, according to a newsletter from the Union.

There were 872 members who voted in favor of striking against Pioneer Transportation, with just 64 no votes cast, while 576 members voted to approve a Strike against Consolidated Bus Transportation, Incorporated.

Union Members also authorized Strikes against Logan Bus Company and NYC School Bus Umbrella Services, the newsletter indicated.

During a meeting held with the Schools Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council, Schools Chancellor David Banks informed parents about the possible labor action: “We do have some immediate concerns, we’re currently negotiating with the ATU around buses and there’s some real concerns around a potential Bus Strike which might affect thousands of kids.  (We’re) certainly hopeful that we can avoid it, but just wanted to start to plant a seed to let people know about the possibility.”

The first day of school for City Public School students is September 7th.

Banks estimated that the Strike could affect anywhere from 85,000 students to as many as 150,000, with students with disabilities likely to be most impacted.

It is unclear how many of the 9,000 school bus routes would be impacted or how many School Bus Employees would be affected.

Local 1181, which is the largest Local in the ATU, has about 13,000 Members, including School Bus Drivers and Attendants.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: School bus drivers' union warns of possible strike - The Chief (thechiefleader.com)