Wheels in motion as Teamsters Local 251 ratifies new contract

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE)- A vote of 29-1 allowed those represented by Teamsters Local 251 to ratify their new contract with Durham School Services of Smithfield, R.I.

This new agreement will span over the next three years, and include the elements the employees have demonstrated for, such as job protections, economic improvements, wage increases both retroactively and over the lifetime of the agreement, bonus and retirement improvements.

“This first contract shows clearly the value of workers coming together to collectively bargain to improve their working conditions,” said Matthew Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 251. “School bus workers have been demanding fair treatment throughout the state. Additional public funding is still necessary to address the short staffing at this location and structural issues in the industry.”

The agreement also ensures that ARPA funding funding for school bus workers is allocated before the statewide prevailing wage law goes into effect in 2023.