THERE were calls last night for parents to be "urgently" updated on bus strike action which could leave 55,000 school children without transport for a week.
Unite the Union last week confirmed that members would be involved in strike action on improved pay from April 25. The action could see all Ulsterbus and Metro bus services withdrawn with a further single day of action on May 6 also planned.
The strike action, which will be taken in conjunction with GMB, which also represents bus workers at Translink, comes after members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action after rejecting the latest Translink management pay offer.
The move means up to 55,000 children could face disruption in returning to school after the Easter holidays.
Alliance's Kellie Armstrong last night called for the Education Minister Michelle McIlveen and Education Authority (EA) to "urgently update parents on how pupils will be transported to schools ahead of a strike".
"Alliance believes in the right of workers to strike, however there are consequences which need to be thought about," she said.
"The education minister and EA have been aware of the upcoming strike for some time, yet have not provided parents with solutions should Translink be unable to provide home to school transport for those in receipt of it. This issue has been raised a number of times by concerned parents on the doors during this election campaign.
"They need to know arrangements as soon as possible, as otherwise they will have to source childcare or take holidays from their own place of work. If a number of buses do not operate later this month due to the strike, questions remain - will pupils be treated as absent if they can’t attend? Will there be any consideration given relating to lost learning time if they are due to sit exams soon?"
She added that with "potential strike by classroom assistants possibly happening after Easter as well, it is vital things are not left until the last minute".
