NEW: Bus Company Invokes Cooling Off Period to Delay Providence Bus Driver Strike

NEW: Bus Company Invokes Cooling Off Period to Delay Providence Bus Driver Strike

First Student, the Providence school bus company that is facing a strike from its drivers in Teamsters Local 251, has invoked a twenty-one day "cooling off" period, according to labor reps.     

"First Student, like UPS, has essentially 2 contracts. A National Master agreement, and a Local rider. The National agreement is negotiated at a national level, and applies to every singe first student yard in the country that is represented by the Teamsters. The Local Rider is negotiated at the local level. The local rider is what we are striking over," said Nick WIliams with the Teamsters Local 251. 

"According to article 2 of the National Master Agreement (Attached), the company or the Union can invoke a 21 day "Cooling off period" before any job action can be taken. This period allows time for the National Negotiating Committee from both the Teamsters as well as First Student to give one last effort with fresh minds to come to an agreement," continued Wiliams.  "If after 21 days or, if the National Committees reach impasse, the strike may resume. As of late yesterday, First Student has officially invoked their right to this cooling off period, and the Teamsters Local 251 will abide by the national agreement and will NOT be striking this Monday unless authorized to do so by the National Committee."

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"I will be speaking with Rick Middleton, the Chair of the National Committee, today to explain the issues in Providence, and to offer whatever help I can in ensuring my members receive the compensation they deserve, hopefully without resorting to Strike action, but we will absolutely strike if we are forced to," said Williams.

Breakdown Over Gauranteed Hours 

On Monday, Williams said the issue in dispute is the number of hours for drivers, who are guaranteed up to two and half hours for the morning, as well as afternoon shifts.  Williams pointed out that bus monitors are guaranteed three hours for the same shifts. 

"We're fighting for three hours in the AM and three in the PM," said Williams.  "The monitors that are with the drivers, who are working the same route, they get three hours.  Some of the drivers have two and a half, which is highest in the state.  Most are two."