Hi everyone,
Thanks for taking the time to read this–I know not many of us have kids in the public schools yet. My older daughter Clara, a PSCCC alum, is in first grade and takes the bus to school. And like many parents in the system, we support the school bus workers who are striking to keep their jobs decently paid, and to keep seniority provisions in new contracts with the city. I think our kids will be more safe with better paid, experienced, unionized drivers, than with contractors who come in with the lowest bids. (And I think that the city can look elsewhere for revenue, rather than cutting the living standards for its workers.) I”m forwarding this letter from my union, the Professional Staff Congress of CUNY, which gives info about how to support the bus drivers and matrons who are on strike. If you’re interested, you can see how to express support, below.
Thanks again,
Penny (Eleanor, Bears)
As of today, ATU Local 1181, which represents 8,800 school bus drivers and matrons in New York City, is on strike. Make no mistake, the union’s hand has been forced by Mayor Bloomberg, who requested bids for contracts without critical safeguards that help ensure our children’s safety.
The Mayor can end this strike at any time, but he’s going to have to hear from you.
As the strike progresses opportunities will exist to distribute flyers in Manhattan. In the meantime here is how you can help most immediately.
(1) Walk with them on the picket lines. See below for locations.
(2) Call the Mayor today: 1-888-833-7428 or text “Safety1st” to 877877
(3) For more info and to sign our petition visit nysaflcio.org/Safety1st
For updates, go to the CLC website.
Strike Support/Picket Locations
All Locations will be staffed 24/7 – peak times to support are 6am-4pm
QUEENS
Atlantic Express Co. – Ridgewood
46-81 Metropolitan Avenue
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Subway – L (Jefferson St & Wyckoff Ave)
Atlantic Express Co. – Jamaica
107-10 180th Street
Jamaica, NY 11433
Bus – Q42 (177th St & 106th Ave)
BROOKLYN
Boro Transit
50 Snediker Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Subway – L (Atlantic Ave)
Reliant Transportation – Greenpoint
297 Norman Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Bus – B48 (Hausman St & Norman Ave)
BRONX
Lonero Transit
2350 Hermany Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
(Office entrance on Hermany Ave., bus yard around corner on Zerega Ave.)
Subway – 6 (Castle Hill Ave)
STATEN ISLAND
Pioneer Transportation – Staten Island
2890 Arthur Kill Road
Staten Island, NY 10309
Bus – S84/S74 (Arthur Kill Rd)