Striking LCPS bus drivers returning to bargaining table; service to resume Friday

UPDATE: The union representing striking Las Cruces school bus drivers announced late Thursday afternoon that it would be returning to the bargaining table.

As a result, officials said buses would operate their regular routes on Friday morning.

Bus drivers left their picket lines as of 3:45 p.m. upon word from their union leadership about a resumption in contract talks.

Union officials told ABC-7 that the strike is "on pause" for now, with negotiations slated to resume with the aid of a federal mediator.

“Our drivers and attendants have chosen to return to work to not only demonstrate our willingness to find solutions to this current strike, but more importantly to honor our deep commitment to the students of Las Cruces Public Schools," Las Cruces Transportation Federation (LCTF) #6341 President Dean Abrams said in a late afternoon statement.

But he also cautioned, "...let us be clear: Unless a just solution is reached, further disruptions to student transportation could occur if STS-NM leaves us with no other options to resolve this dispute.”

ORIGINAL REPORT: LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Las Cruces Public Schools' union bus drivers walked off the job Thursday morning in their the first-ever strike as a result of a contract dispute over wages and working conditions.

Picket lines were set up as soon as the student morning drop-offs at school were complete.

The roughly 80 drivers are employed by Student Transportation Services of New Mexico, which contracts with LCPS to provide transportation services.

In a statement just prior to the strike commencing, LCPS said:

"In the event of a strike, LCPS will communicate with you immediately so you can arrange for alternate transportation if your child rides the bus. Students who are absent due to a lack of transportation will be excused and can access assignments and instructional materials via Canvas. Special education students who rely on transportation as outlined in their Individualized Education Program will still be picked up at their regular stop and time. Please check our website, lcps.net for more information as it becomes available."