Bus drivers say no strike Monday

Local union officials, locked in contract negotiations with First Student Bus Company, say children in Aurora, Naperville and Oswego will be picked up for school Monday morning.

Teamsters Local 179 President Rich Gierut said both sides are scheduled to continue negotiations Monday morning and he's confident a deal will be reached.

"We wouldn't pull a job action like that without notice and leave children standing on corners Monday morning," he said. "We're back at the table Monday and hopefully we'll be able to resolve our differences in that session."

The negotiations, which affect 250 bus routes in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, a small portion of Naperville Unit District 203 and Oswego Unit District 308, have caused all three districts to be on alert for the possibility of a strike Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

Although the company employs 68,000 employees nationwide, First Student Spokeswoman Bonnie Bastian said those employees are welcome to join local unions if they wish.

"So it is that local union that is negotiating with First Student right now, not the district or any larger group," Bastian said.

Drivers with Joliet-based Teamsters Local 179 recently rejected a proposed contract with First Student, prompting the company to warn the district Thursday afternoon about the possibility of a driver strike.

Despite Gierut's optimism for a settlement, District 204 is standing at the ready. If a strike occurs, parents immediately will be notified by phone. The district has also promised to provide ongoing updates through Connect ED, 204 E-News and the district's Web site, www.ipsd.org.

In the event of a strike, schools will remain open. To accommodate parents' schedules, supervision will be provided for an extra 45 minutes before and after school for bus riders.

District 203 intends to cover the routes run by First Student, in the event of a strike, and will be notifying parents of the alternate arrangements.

District 308 has encouraged parents to devise an alternate route and will communicate with parents by 6 a.m. if a strike occurs.