School Bus Strike Continues For Second Week On Long Island

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A school bus strike affecting several Long Island school districts continued for a second week Monday.

Newsday reports talks between Bauman & Sons Buses Inc. and TWU Local 252 stalled out Friday. About 300 union workers have been on strike since Nov. 6.

Over 20,000 students in the Freeport, Baldwin, Hicksville and Rockville Centre districts in Nassau County have been affected. Districts have started using outside bus companies to transport students.

Union workers want a guaranteed five days of work, sick days and a pay increase. The two sides disagree about wage increases and payment for transporting students on field trips.

"The biggest issue, guaranteed weeks -- whether it's 38, 39, 40. You want to have a paycheck every week consisten for the whole year," said Terry Hind, the business agent for the union.

In a statement the bus company said the union's strike benefits no one.

"We wish the union would reconsider its position and commit to resolving its issues," the statement read.

TWU Local 252 President Debra Hagan says the union recognizes that the strike is a burden for the parents and the schools.

Both sides are scheduled to return to the table Tuesday with a federal mediator.

Negotiations have been ongoing since June.