NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -
It was business as usual Friday as bus drivers returned to work in New Haven after contract negotiations broke down Thursday morning and drivers picketed.
In June, the contract between the First Student Bus Company and the drivers expired. The drivers want better safety measures installed and want problems with their paychecks and payrolls fixed.
Drivers picketed Thursday afternoon after contract negotiations broke down. No deal is in place at this time. However, negotiations are expected to continue early next week and children will be picked up and dropped off on Friday.
"A lot of parents depend on the bus to pick their kids up in the morning because a lot of them have to get to work," said Colin Smith of New Haven
First Student Bus Company said it hopes to reach a fair and equitable resolution soon.
"I hope it gets hammered out," Pam Franks of New Haven said. "The bus is essential, makes our lives more convenient."
Similar negotiations are taking place with drivers in West Hartford and Shelton.
Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
