School bus driver strike could hit TDSB, TCDSB's Markham division

School bus drivers in the Markham area could strike at the beginning of November if their union can't reach a new deal with local school boards, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) warned parents on Monday.

Both the TDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) would be affected by a potential strike, though the TDSB downplayed the probability of a work stoppage in a Monday letter to parents.

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Unifor Local 4268, which represents drivers in the Markham division, has set Nov. 3 as a possible strike date. The union is negotiating with the school transportation company, First Student.

Some 8,500 students from the two school boards would be affected by a work stoppage.

"In the event of a strike, there will be no school bus services," the TDSB's letter said.

"While there has been no indication of a plan to strike, the TDSB and the TCDSB feel it is important that you know well in advance that a strike is possible."

Both school boards are hoping to avoid a strike, especially after a school bus shortage forced hundreds of GTA parents to drive their kids to school at the beginning of the school year.

"The news of a possible labour disruption in the school bus industry at this time is very frustrating for parents, students and the school boards," said the letter.

Parents will be notified immediately if a strike is planned.