A union bus strike that would leave 150,000 students without rides to school may be set to go into effect on Wednesday, according to published reports and Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office.

The threat of the strike, which loomed throughout late December, started over a labor dispute between the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, which represents school bus drivers, and the city, after the Department of Education announced plans to bid out new contracts for 1,100 bus routes for children with special needs, instead of staying with the existing drivers and unionized workers.

“So there’s nothing the City can do to meet the union’s demands — and in a year when our students have already missed a week or more of school because of Hurricane Sandy, a strike would be totally irresponsible,” said Bloomberg.

He announced a series of changes that will go into effect if and when the strike goes into effect. Wednesday is the expected start day, sourcs told the New York Post.

BUS STRIKE CONTINGENCY PLAN:

– Schools’ general offices will issue free MetroCards to students who normally take yellow bus service.

– Parents of K-2 students or children who normally require transportation directly to school may be issued an additional MetroCard to escort your child to school.

– Parents in children grades K-6 for whom public transportation is not an option will be reimbursed for travel costs to school. Parents driving students will recieve .55 cents per mile reimbursement, and taxi or cab costs will be reimbursed after filling out a form at the school.

– Latecomers to school because of the bus strike will be excused up to 2 hours, and all absences due to the strike will be marked absent, but with a special code so the attendence record is not impacted.

– Afterschool programs will stay open, but no bus service will be provided.

The city advises parents to contact 311 if they have any other concerns.

(Source: DNA Info)