What you need to know:
- Mat-Su school bus workers will remain on strike through at least April 10 after recent virtual negotiations between the union and the bus company failed to produce a deal.
- The strike, which began March 2 after a contract expired, centers on issues including compensation, driver training and who pays for certain health screenings.
- About 18,000 students are affected, with absenteeism rising across the district and reaching as high as 8% in some outlying areas, including Houston and Big Lake.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
PALMER — Mat-Su school bus workers will remain on strike until at least next Friday after a pair of negotiation sessions over two days this week did not result in a settlement, union officials said.
Bargaining committees representing Teamsters Local 959 and Durham School Services met virtually Wednesday and Thursday, union officials said.
The meetings brought some progress toward a new contract agreement, but no final deal was reached, said Patrick Fitzgerald, a Teamsters spokesperson. Durham representatives agreed to meet again late next week, he said…