Union bus drivers: RIDE considering non-union company for new contract

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — According to Rhode Island’s union bus drivers, monitors and aides, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is considering the mostly non-union DATTCO company for the First Student statewide bus contract.

The union has stated that DATTCO’s wages and benefits are significantly below the majority of current union contacts.

This could result in pay cuts and benefit changes for workers, according to union representatives.

“We have worked hard with First Student through union negotiations to ensure a decent industry wage standard and benefits to not only attract new employees but to also retain the highest quality professionals in the industry in order to help our employer meet their contractual obligations,” said Lorene Hamel, a First Student Bus Driver.

“Now, DATTCO employees have reached out to many of our members, trying to poach and entice with sign-on bonuses and even scare tactics.”

ABC6 reached out to DATTCO and RIDE for comment on this matter.