School bus drivers, monitors and aides represented by Teamsters Local 251 from communities around the state, including Bristol Warren, have authorized a strike and begun “practice picketing,” asserting they deserve fair wages, benefits and working conditions.

According to a statement by General Teamsters Local 251, the union has worked hard with the General Assembly and the Governor’s office to pass legislation that will bring workers better wages and benefits, but the law won’t fully take effect until 2024. Currently, they claim, these workers are still dealing with the consequences of COVID, which include work schedule instabilities in addition to health concerns.

In the meantime, the union says that the State and municipalities have the ability to allocate some of the $1.1 billion in broad stimulus funding already received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as a stopgap until the new law is fully implemented.

“While we did pass legislation earlier this year to eventually establish prevailing wages for school bus workers and reasonable contract lengths, it is has become apparent based on my conversations with union members that our state must go a step further and urgently invest federal ARPA funds in the short-term to ensure that these labor needs are being met by bridging the gap in current revenue agreements,” said State Rep. David Morales (D-7). “We need to make these funds available to avert a strike by these essential workers so our communities and schools can continue operating without major disruptions.”

While the union asserts that a strike is always a last resort, it gets closer and closer as each day passes without agreement.

“There is a possibility of a work stoppage in the coming days in Bristol-Warren by school bus drivers at First Student,” confirmed Teamsters 251 spokesman Matthew Taibi. “We are negotiating with the company to try to reach an agreement to avoid a strike.”

"First Student is currently negotiating with Local 251 and we are hopeful of reaching an agreement on a fair and equitable contract," a representative for First Student said on Thursday afternoon.

Superintendent Ana Riley sent the following messages to parents and guardians on Thursday afternoon:

You may have heard rumors over the past few weeks that R.I. bus drivers may go on strike. We are in ongoing communication with First Student, our transportation provider, and they have assured us they will keep us informed.  

In the event that there is a labor disruption and transportation will not be available, we will continue to keep schools open.  You will be notified if buses will not be running via email, and text, and local television stations.  For families who are unable to transport their children or carpool, teachers will have lessons posted electronically for students to complete at home.   Students will be marked present for the day if assignments are completed. Teachers will ensure students bring home their Chromebooks and/or iPads tonight

We are hopeful that this will be resolved in the very near future and will keep you informed as additional information becomes available.