Bus Company May Cut Off Striking Drivers’ Health Benefits

Some striking school bus drivers may have a new incentive to get back to work, as they will lose their health benefits tomorrow if they do not get back behind the wheel.

One company, Pioneer Transportation, sent out a letter reminding drivers of the loss of coverage.

It also warns drivers are at risk of losing their jobs for good, either to replacement workers, or because other companies may take over the routes.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott says he believes the companies are within their rights.

“The companies are trying to do their job because they’re not getting paid and unfortunately the workers are not getting paid,” Walcott said. And so I saw one of the letters and he was very clear saying they should come back to work because I think starting this Friday, they will not have health benefits or payment into their pension as well.”

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 says it asked Mayor Michael Bloomberg to delay the bidding process for new bus contracts, so all sides could have time to negotiate.

The union says drivers would have gone back to work while the talks took place.

City officials say postponing the bids would only have meant it would be stuck with the same billion-dollar contracts for another year.