The 6,300 striking drivers want more money.

They said the striking drivers would return to their jobs at pay and benefit levels that existed under terms of the expired contract.

Union organizers said only 14 of the striking drivers buy the company's health coverage because the costs are too steep.

Even striking drivers expressed uncertainty over a work stoppage that some union members said could last months.

With 80% of the nation's goods transported by road, essential supplies were put in danger as striking drivers picketed those firms that continued to work.

The Daily News and its striking drivers made no progress toward a settlement this week, union officials said.

The bus line told union negotiators it had immediate openings for only 620 striking drivers and could probably take another 700 back in a few months.

Union officials are holding out for $120 million in back pay from the company, as well as the reinstatement of all striking drivers.

Most striking drivers returned to their jobs after the walkout ended.

Union officials scoffed at the numbers, asserting that just 95 striking drivers had returned to work.