NEW YORK (AP) -- Leaders of a school bus drivers' union are meeting to consider ending their monthlong strike in New York City.
Some 8,000 bus drivers and aides walked off the job Jan. 16.
The strike has affected tens of thousands of schoolchildren, including many disabled students.
Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union went on strike over job protection issues.
Five Democratic mayoral candidates sent a letter to the union Thursday asking drivers to return to work. They say that, if elected, they will revisit the job security issue.
Union head Larry Hanley said in a statement that he was encouraged by the letter.
He said he would be "discussing options" with union leaders Friday.
