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School Bus Strike Possible In Westport Monday

WESTPORT, Conn. – School buses in Westport may not be on the roads Monday as there is a possibility drivers will be on strike, Westport Superintendent Elliott Landon told parents via email Thursday evening.

If negotiations between the bus company and the drivers’ union fail by the time the drivers’ contracts with Dattco expire at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Landon said there will be no bus service beginning Monday morning.

“Should the strike take place, it will be necessary for you to arrange transportation to get your children to and from school,” Landon wrote in the email. “I urge you to consider forming car pools during this critical period.”

Landon said parents will be alerted before the start of the school day whether there is a strike. If the strike has been averted before 12:01 a.m. Monday, families will be notified via e-mail. A message will also will be placed on the district’s SNO-LINE at 203-341-1766

However, if a settlement has not been made by 6 a.m., he said parents will be notified through a telephone message that they will need to make alternative arrangements to get their children to and from school.

If there is a strike, Landon urges parents to try and get their children to school approximately 30 minutes before the normal start time “so that all of your children's school activities may take place in accordance with their regular school schedules.” Parents will be allowed to use both the parent drop-off areas as well as the bus entrances.

“Staff members will be in each of our schools to accommodate and protect the safety of those students who may arrive earlier than their usual arrival time,” Landon wrote.

Anticipating increased traffic, Landon said the Westport Police Department has arranged to provide additional traffic officers to direct traffic at high volume areas.

If a strike does take place, all before and after school activities at the elementary schools will be canceled, he added. Parents will be given more specifics about drop-off and pick-up arraignments by school principals Friday via email.

 

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