Whitehorse students returned to classes today following their two-week March break.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education says high school students with a city transit pass can use the traditional school bus system to get to and from school in light of the work-to-rule campaign by transit workers.

As of this morning, the city buses were running as scheduled.

Since work-to-rule action began March 19, there’s been a number of schedule changes and bus cancellations due to the labour action.

March break had been underway since the action began. With classes back in today, if certain buses are cancelled or the schedule changes, there could be an impact on students getting to class.

An agreement between the city’s transit department and the Department of Education has seen approximately 590 high school students opt for a transit pass rather than use the school bus system.

Though students who choose the transit option are not normally able to access the school bus system, given the current situation, students can now ride the school bus.

“We’re able to accommodate any student affected,” Chris Hanlin, the acting director of operations for the Department of Education, said this morning.

He noted that not all the school buses to area high schools are full. There’s enough room to accommodate anyone needing a ride to school.

Hanlin encourages students and parents to visit http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/bus-routes.html to find the nearest school bus route.

He noted students won’t need to register to use the system – they can just catch the bus according to the schedule.

Hanlin was asked if the department may look at adding buses to the school system if the labour dispute moves into a full strike.

He said that option could be available if needed, but it’s not expected it would be required.

A number of students who use transit live within walking distance to their school or may have other transportation options available, said Education spokesman Kyle Nightingale.

City spokesman Myles Dolphin noted the transit system was operating this morning without disruptions.

“In the event of a disruption, we’ll continue letting the schools and Department of Education know,” he stated in an email correspondence.

The city is “fairly confident we can cover the schools throughout the week, but we’ll see what happens,” Dolphin added.

The job action by the union came after three days of mediation concluded in March without an agreement reached.

During mediation, the Yukon Employees’ Union (YEU), which is representing the workers, served the city strike notice. The city then advised the public to find other transportation means to get around.

A day before the strike was expected to begin, the union informed the public that drivers would instead stage a work-to-rule campaign.

Drivers are pulling over to take breaks as scheduled, and are not accepting any overtime.

Casual drivers are not accepting extra shifts.

That has resulted in the schedule changes and cancellations, with the city providing updates on affected routes via its website.

In a statement released last Thursday, the city said its goal is “to find a solution that achieves the right balance between the interests of its employees and the interests of its citizens.”

The union has argued against the city’s proposal that would see long-term service awards end for anyone hired after the new deal is ratified, as well as changes to severance for anyone hired after ratification.

With no defined pension plan for employees who are with the city long-term, the union said it will continue to fight for benefits of the long-service award and severance pay.

Meanwhile, the city has stated it does not want to ask taxpayers for more money to operate the bus system.

“As transit services are already subsidized by approximately 70 per cent (i.e. revenue from fares and agreements only covers approximately 30 per cent of the operating costs), we do not feel we can ask taxpayers for much more,” city officials said in their statement.

“We recognize the important work performed by our transit employees and remain focused on finding a fair and balanced solution for all parties.

“We look forward to any opportunity to return to the bargaining table and are waiting for confirmation of the mediator’s and negotiator’s availability.”

It’s anticipated the two sides will be back to the table later this month.