Union and Private-Sector Bus Companies in Westchester Meet About Economic Crisis
Companies Warn of Layoffs if Funding Is Not Restored
TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano and other union leaders met Thursday with the school bus and paratransit operators in Westchester to discuss pay issues, possible layoffs and other problems resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Representatives from Royal Coach, SuperTrans, First Mile Square, Vallo/Mutual and White Plains Bus all participated in the meeting that also included Local 100 School Bus/Paratransit Division Chair Gus Moghrabi and Senior Director of Organizing Frank McCann.
Royal Coach and First Mile all said the school districts they serve have indicated they will not pay the companies for scheduled school days that have been cancelled – meaning the companies will not be able to pay the workers if funding is not restored.
White Plains, however, has reportedly said it will continue to forward payments to White Plains bus for suspended school operations. Access-A-Ride trips in Westchester County are down 90%, according to the company, which said layoffs are possible.
“This is an extremely serious situation that government needs to address,” Utano said. “We are reaching out to our elected officials, including members of the state Legislature and County Executive George Latimer.
Moghrabi said in this instance Local 100 and the companies are on the same side.
“We are working together, side by side, on this issue,” Moghrabi said. “We have the same goal, making sure our members have an income to take care of themselves and their families.”
The union and company representatives said they would explore the possibility of securing business transporting medical personnel to facilities or delivering meals to students at their homes.