The company that buses students to Savannah-Chatham public schools is working with drivers to resolve a payment dispute.

The Savannah Morning News reports First Student and the local Teamsters Union open negotiations this week over summer pay.

A bill passed the state legislature earlier this year barring contract employees like bus drivers and mechanics from getting unemployment benefits over the summer and during school holidays.

Drivers locally are asking for a payment system that would bank one hour’s pay per workday to allow for summer pay. The union has voted to strike if the demands aren’t met.

Tags: savannah-chatham county, bus drivers, bus driver union