The Brisbane council says the city’s bus drivers are putting schoolchildren at risk.

The bus drivers have threatened to strike over their struggling negotiations with Brisbane City Council for wages, improved safety and rostering issues.

Bus drivers will not collect fares on Thursday and will strike from 2 to 6 pm on Friday.

The council says the Rail, Tram and Bus Union is putting its pay claims ahead of children’s safety.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the union was refusing to attend meetings.

“What's happening here is they're putting strike action above a sensible discussion on safety which is really disappointing I think,” Cr Schrinner told reporters.

“They are saying publicly it is all about safety, but in reality, it is more about wanting to be the best paid bus drivers in Australia.”

Cr Schrinner said the strikes would cost over $500,000 to the taxpayer.

“Our priority will be school bus services and the routes that carry large numbers of school students,” he said.

“We expect there will be up to 23,000 school students impacted on Friday afternoon if this strike goes ahead.”

The council is providing some extra CityCat services and has urged parents to make contingency plans for the children.

“This is a matter of safety we can't afford to have students stranded at bus stops, it is just not on,” Cr Schrinner said.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union accused the council of “refusing to negotiate”.