Deal reached to avert First Student school bus driver strike that loomed over Massachusetts communities
A possible bus driver strike that had some Massachusetts families worried about how their kids would get to school has been averted.
Drivers for First Student, the largest school bus company in the country, could have walked off the job Wednesday. But the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with the company.
"First Student Teamsters were unified and prepared to take on this company nationwide. Our solidarity forced real movement at the bargaining table, and we delivered a contract in the 11th hour that honors the critical work our members do every day," Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement. "Teamsters set the standard for the entire school bus industry, and this agreement raises the bar for school bus transportation workers everywhere."
The union says the deal provides stronger retirement benefits and better access to health care.
Wayland, Duxbury, Plymouth, Sudbury, Fitchburg, Leominster and Springfield are just some of the communities that use the bus service. It's unclear which towns rely entirely on First Student and which use them only on a limited basis. According to the company, they represent more than 500 districts in 42 states plus Canada; Massachusetts and New Hampshire are among those states.
"Today, First Student and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reached a tentative agreement on a new, fair National Master First Student Agreement," First Student said in a statement. "There has been no disruption to service, and we will continue to operate as normal. We appreciate the professionalism and engagement of everyone involved in reaching this milestone."
The previous contract was set to expire Tuesday night. Local contracts include a no-strike clause, but the union's national agreement may supersede local ones, like Fitchburg and Leominster.
"Leominster Public Schools has no control over or influence in these negotiations," Superintendent Robin Desmond wrote in a letter to parents Monday.
Parents in Leominster were bracing for the worst.
"Not all parents can drive their kids in and out of school. The community is very dependent on transportation," said Leominster parent Lyndsey Miller.
"They get released at 2:15 p.m., (for) a lot of parents' work schedules that's going to be hard to do," said Corey Leighton, the parent of a high school student.
"It's a broader problem, that's for sure. So, I think parents will be understanding," said Leominster parent Victor Novoa. "It would affect our work lives, and we'd have to balance the schedule."
