No deal reached in Providence bus driver strike

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Parents aren’t going to like this, no deal as day 8 of the Providence bus drivers’ strike finishes up. The union and bus company went back to the bargaining table today but still haven’t come to a contract agreement.

The union and First Student wrapped up talks after about 3 and a half hours today. Both say they were constructive but still no deal has been reached. Now it might depend on the city taking action.

No one will say if there’s an end in sight for the Providence bus drivers strike. Talks with a federal mediator went well but bus drivers will hit the picket line again on Wednesday.

The bus company says it’s committed to offering a generous wage and benefits package. The union is asking for First Student to contribute to their pension.

Now it may fall to the city to offer up a proposal that would include a pension for bus drivers.

“The city may have a proposal, if that has a pension that could change things,” says Nick Williams, a representative for the union.

“The Mayor has been very involved; he’s been contacting both parties daily. The Chairman of the School Committee likewise has expressed his concerns, the superintendent too. They’re doing as much as they can to make sure both parties continue talking,” says Frank McMahon a representative for First Student.

No date has been set for the next meeting between both parties. All agree the 9,000 students who depend on buses need a deal

The Rhode Island ACLU claims by not providing special needs students buses during the strike, the city is breaking federal law. They plan to hold a press conference announcing legal action Wednesday morning.

© WLNE/ABC 6 2018