The union representing 200 striking bus drivers, teachers' assistants and food service workers in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan school district is seeking a meeting with the district's School Board.

Members of Service Employees International Union Local 284 rejected a new contract March 28 and went out on strike March 29. The district's 4,800 students got the day off, but administrators said schools would reopen March 30.

Local 284 Executive Director Shane Allers said the workers are frustrated by the stance taken by the district's negotiator, an attorney, and would rather talk directly with the superintendent and School Board.

"We're trying to get the School Board and the superintendent to sit down with us and get this resolved," Allers said. "The School Board themselves, if they were sitting in the room with us, I'm sure we would come to an agreement."