Bloomberg, Walcott discuss school bus driver strike

More than 8,000 drivers and matrons of yellow school buses in New York City went on strike Wednesday morning leaving more than 150,000 students to find alternative transportation.

Members of Local 1181 are striking over job protection after the City put the school bus contract up for bid.

Good Day NY spoke with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott about the first school bus driver strike in three decades.

"We spend $6,500 per student per year. Since 1979, no administration has re-bid this contract.  They do not want another company to come in, under bid and they might or might not have the same workers. They want us to guarantee that anyone who comes in gives them the same jobs at the same salary at the same seniority. We've had 12 judges rule that's illegal. It's up to their employers to decide who they hire," said Bloomberg.

"The union that is striking has contracts with other companies in other counties where they do not have this provision, said Walcott.

Mayor Bloomberg was asked if he was prepared to go to court to seek a temporary injunction against the striking school bus drivers.

"I don't think it's time yet to do that. It's not clear if it's all the unions striking. It's not clear if they'll come to their senses. The city has an obligation to get the best price."

For contingency plans and alternate transportation, visit the Dept. of Education website.