School bus drivers in 3 RI communities vote to authorize a strike

This is according to Teamsters Local 251.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – School bus drivers in three Rhode Island communities have voted to authorize a strike- over contract disagreements according to Teamsters Local 251.

This includes school bus drivers from Pawtucket, Bristol- Warren and Scituate.

“School bus workers have been diligently transporting our most precious cargo, our children, and have been very patient as negotiations have been going on for well over a year at least two locations,” Matthew Taibi says with Teamsters Local 251.

The company says Scituate workers organized about a year ago and have been patiently waiting for a first contract.

First Student employs these drivers. The statement continues to say “First Student has frustrated the purpose of negotiations and stalled bargaining with Local 251.”

A spokesperson for the company adds, “A strike isn’t imminent at this time. Negotiations are continuing to hopefully reach agreement at each workplace.”