Overview
- Several large vendors filed notices with the state labor department warning of up to 12,000 layoffs and a potential service halt starting Monday, Nov. 3 without multiyear contracts.
- City Hall and the education department sent another emergency extension to cover November and December, and officials say some companies have already agreed to continue service.
- Officials unveiled contingency steps, including free OMNY cards for students and caregivers plus pre-paid rideshare or reimbursements for eligible students with disabilities or in temporary housing.
- The core dispute pits five-year renewals sought by companies and unions against shorter extensions that would allow a rebid only if state law changes to permit the Employee Protection Provision.
- The Panel for Educational Policy plans to delay a final vote until after the mayoral election, while contractors argue month-to-month deals are not financeable or sufficient to invest in electric buses and service upgrades.