PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A strike by Providence school bus drivers that’s affecting 9,000 students has continued for a fifth day, with no end in sight.
Drivers picketed Wednesday near the yard where buses are kept by First Student, the private company overseeing the city’s school bus operations.
The drivers’ union, Teamsters Local 251, said no meetings are currently scheduled between the sides to resolve their dispute over retirement benefits.
Advocates for people with disabilities have called on the city to provide transportation for special education students. They warned that failing to do so violates federal law.
A district spokeswoman says they’re working on a response.
First Student’s contract with the district excuses it from providing transportation services during a labor dispute.
The company didn’t immediately respond to questions about the ongoing strike.
