Bus drivers hold off striking against First Student

PROVIDECNE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Teamsters Local 251 Workers Union postponed their bus driver strike for Monday.

Bus and van drivers employed by First Student planned to strike as they felt they were not receiving proper benefits.

After a meeting on Saturday, First Student still has yet to make a decision.

In response, drivers decided to postpone their strike to give the company more time to finalize a decision.

This is not the first time the Teamsters Local 251 Workers Union held a strike vote against First Student.

Officials said striking is a “last resort” but believe employees should have healthcare and retirement on top of fair pay.

The union plans to present another proposal to the company within the coming days.

Officials said if an acceptable deal is not made, there will be a strike on Wednesday that they said that will impact Providence students and parents.

First Student responded to the union’s decisions to reject the contract proposal, saying that they are confident that their members would support their efforts.

Frank McMahon, spokesperson for First Student said, “We are encouraged, however, that the members of the Teamsters Local 251 have decided not to strike, which would have had serious consequences and unfairly burdened Providence students and their families.”

The company’s statement concluded by reading, “First Student remains committed to reaching an agreement that does not threaten the retirement security of our drivers — we stand ready to return to the negotiating table at any time and look forward to hearing from Local 251.”