Some students in Yonkers, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle wound up stranded Tuesday when school bus drivers at a private company suddenly went out on strike.

About 100 drivers from Mile Square Transportation in Yonkers staged a walkout to prompt action for a new contract. The drivers have been working without a contract since June 30, 2006. They are looking for an increase in pay and in weekly hours, as well as improved benefits.

Mile Square Transportation President Harry Rodriguez says that Tuesday?s walkout is illegal and it's not his fault that the workers don't have an approved contract yet. Rodriguez says the union is late negotiating the contract.

The bus drivers vow to strike until a contract is reached. The bus company is asking everyone for patience while the new deal is worked out.