LOS ANGELES – About 800 bus drivers went on strike in the nation’s second-largest school district Tuesday, stranding some 18,000 youngsters and threatening field trips and sporting events.
Laidlaw Transit Inc., the largest of five transportation companies working for the Los Angeles school system, said its Teamster drivers did not show up for work in the morning.
Nearly 10 percent of the school district’s 700,000 students – including many severely handicapped youngsters – ride buses.
Laidlaw serves 18,000, but the strike could affect all bused students because other companies were redirected to pick up children stranded by Laidlaw. Delays of up to two hours were possible, said district spokeswoman Hilda Ramirez.
“All field trips, late activities and athletic events will be canceled, postponed or substantially delayed for at least the first three days of the strike,” the district said in a statement.
The Teamsters and Laidlaw have been negotiating salaries and benefits for seven months.
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