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WESTPORT, Conn. – The school bus strike set for Monday in Westport has been averted— for now, according to union and school officials.
On the recommendation of the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service, the school bus drivers and Dattco, the bus company, have agreed to a “cooling off period” in their negotiations. The announcement came Sunday night from Tom Wilkinson, president of the Local 371 Union that represents the drivers, and Westport Superintendent Elliott Landon.
Although the drivers rejected a contract settlement presented Sunday afternoon and voted to strike, Wilkinson said the union “is directing the drivers to go back to work Monday.” Both the union and Dattco have made new proposals and will meet again Thursday to reach an agreement, he said.
“But at this point, we will be working on Monday and we will continue to work until further notice,” Wilkinson said over the phone.
With the strike averted, Landon said school buses will operate on a normal schedule Monday. Also, before and after school activities that would have been canceled at the elementary schools will resume.
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