Teamsters at RISD secure first contract, end two-week strike

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Teamsters Local 251 at the Rhode Island School of Design secured their first contract following two weeks of striking and 10 months of negotiations.

According to Teamsters officials, the new, six-year contract includes wage increases averaging about 33%, with a 22% increase to take effect in July.

The contract also includes strong benefits and longevity bonuses for employees.

“After months of negotiations and multiple strikes, we are relieved to finally have a strong contract,” said Regina Santos, RISD custodian and Local 251 member.

“We are very grateful to our Teamster leaders, RISD students, community members, and everyone who stood in solidarity with us on the picket line and helped us get a fair collective bargaining agreement,” they continued.

RISD Teamsters  held a one-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in late March after Local 251 filed ULP charges against RISD for failing to pay a general wage increase and changing starting rates for workers without providing them with notice or an opportunity to bargain.