School bus companies will meet with the union Monday to discuss the crippling strike that has left thousands of students without rides to class - but the city won’t come to the talks.

Workers for Amalgamated Transit Union 1181 walked off the job last Wednesday because the city cut job protections for senior workers from new contracts.

Mayor Bloomberg called for the bus companies to meet with the union at Gracie Mansion Monday but the city will not participate - and bus company officials are crying foul.

“This meeting is farce to shift the focus away from the real issue - the city’s new contracts,” said a company official, who asked to remain anonymous.

Local 1181 president Michael Cordiello applauded the mayor for arranging the sit-down, but said that unless the city comes to the talks as well, a deal isn’t happening.

“The best way for this strike to end is with Local 1181, Mayor Bloomberg and the City’s bus companies in one room, talking candidly and in good faith,” said Cordiello. “We urge Mayor Bloomberg to join us at the table to work towards ending this strike. Until that happens, the strike goes on.”