DEAL REACHED: Warwick School Bus Drivers Vote in Favor of New Contract, Ending Weeks of Worry on All Sides

Warwick, RI (WLNE) – Warwick school bus drivers voted in favor of a new contract Friday evening. The drivers’ union, ATU Local 618, had been negotiating with First Student since April. Friday’s vote will likely ease worries on all sides, including among parents who were preparing in case a strike disrupted transportation to-and-from school for students.

Back on October 22, the bus drivers voted against a contract that was offered at the time. After that contract was voted down, Local 618 and First Student agreed to a one-week extension in negotiations. If a deal had not been reached, a strike was authorized to begin as soon as November 1.

On Friday night, both the union and First Student said they are pleased with the new deal. Local 618 Secretary/Treasurer Steve Sousa told ABC6 that the deal is fair. Sousa did not disclose pay information, but he said the drivers are primarily happy with guaranteed pay for all 178 school days, including days when school is cancelled for any reason.

First Student spokesman Frank McMahon released a statement saying, “First Student is pleased that ATU Local 618 has voted to ratify a contract that includes generous pay raises over the 3-year contract, increased 401(k) contributions, and other benefit improvements for our valued, hardworking Warwick school bus drivers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Warwick Public Schools to provide safe, reliable student bus transportation.”