First Student, Teamsters reach a tentative deal

October 12, 2018 3:34 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — On day eleven of the Providence bus strike, First Student came to an agreement with the Teamsters with a tentative deal.

Frank McMahon, spokesperson for First Student, released a statement earlier Friday saying in part, “We’re ready to operate our buses on Monday and restart the level of service the City of Providence deserves and respects.”

The statement also said that the company is ready to welcome back all of the drivers who want to get back to work.

“Enough is enough. We have made repeated, daily attempts this week to resolve this dispute with the Teamsters which have been rejected or ignored.”

This comes as a deadline looms in the strike.

Mayor Jorge Elorza said Wednesday the city is pulling their incentives from the table if the two sides don’t reach a deal by the end of the day Friday.

According to McMahon, First Student and union leaders have been speaking all day, and they could be close to a deal.

“We’re hopeful that that conversation leads to further conversations as the day goes on. I’m hopeful that this strike gets resolved today.”

Later in the day on Friday, around 4:45 p.m., both sides came to an agreement on a tentative deal.

Mayor Elorza said “I greatly appreciate everyone’s collaboration in coming to an agreement that restores transportation for our kids, We’ll continue to work to ensure a smooth transition for students affected by the strike. I want to thank all of the parents, neighbors, teachers, police officers, firefighters, administrators, and community partners that supported our kids throughout the past 11 days.”

Council President David Salvatore was also present during the negotiations Friday, and said “I am glad that both sides are heeding the call to put the needs of students and families first by engaging in constructive dialogue. I look forward to seeing the details of the tentative agreement and providing our children with safe and reliable bus transportation.”

First student also reacted with the following statement:

“We’ve reached a tentative contract agreement today with Teamsters Local 251 that reflects our joint commitment to providing Providence students and families with safe and reliable school bus transportation. First Student is appreciative of Mayor Elorza’s and City Council President Salvatore’s commitment to bringing both sides to a deal, and we are looking forward to welcoming our drivers back on Monday.”