Overview
- Vendors told the New York State Department of Labor they could end service after Oct. 31 and cut 12,000 unionized jobs if a multi-year agreement is not approved.
- Roughly 150,000 students could be affected, many of them younger children, students with disabilities, and those in temporary housing who rely on bus transportation.
- PEP Chair Greg Faulkner says the panel favors short emergency extensions while pressing for stronger worker safeguards and service accountability.
- Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos says DOE has sent emergency extension contracts, has not received formal layoff notices, and is preparing contingency options for families.
- The proposed five-year deal touted by companies includes expanded GPS reporting, more customer support, purchase of electric buses, and increased spending with minority- and women-owned businesses.