Bus drivers’ union to meet with bus company before strike

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The union representing bus drivers for Providence public schools is meeting with the bus company one more time before a planned strike.

Teamsters Local 251 and the company First Student are meeting Wednesday afternoon to try and avert strike planned for Thursday.

The strike threat comes after contract negotiations with bus company stalled over retirement benefits.

Providence schools are warning families to make alternative plans to get their children to and from school in the event of a strike.

Mayor Jorge Elorza says the city looked into public transportation and ride-hailing services, but no company could handle the potential demand of 9,000 students.

Schools will consider student absences in the first days of a strike to be “excused absences.”