SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Dattco, the bus contractor for the South Kingstown School District held another bargaining session Wednesday morning with Teamsters Local 251, representing drivers, monitors and aides, and both sides were optimistic that a strike could be averted. (For updates, go to South County Independent)

The Teamsters have been working without a contract since December 2007 and voted to strike last Wednesday, after rejecting Dattco’s contract proposal. They set a strike date for Friday to allow Dattco time to consider a counter proposal. Since that time, they have continued talks, and buses have continued to run.

“We continue to bargain in good faith,” said Cliff Gibson, chief operating officer for Dattco.

Assistant Shop Steward Nancy Richardson said the majority of employees were happy with the latest proposal they have sent to Dattco and were hopeful a new contract was close at hand.

• South County Independent