Warwick School Bus Strike Averted For Now -- Labor Negotiations Continue

Warwick School Bus Strike Averted For Now -- Labor Negotiations Continue

After Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi warned of a possible school bus strike on Friday, negotiations are continuing after the drivers' union rejected bus company First Student's most recent contract offer. 

Late Thursday night, Picozzi shared the announcement by the school department on Facebook, who said the following. 

First Student has notified us that they are making progress with negotiations. Union leadership has agreed that there will be no job action [Friday]. All Warwick schools will be open Friday, October 15th. We anticipate buses to run as normal.

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Warwick Schools, First Student Management, and Bus Drivers will continue to work together. Student education and safety are our utmost priority.

Bus Co. on Record

First Student spokesperson Frank McMahon issued the following statement Thursday night. 

"First Student has conducted 14 negotiating sessions with the leadership of ATU Local 618 since April 2021. We were encouraged when we reached a tentative agreement late this afternoon. 

We are disappointed to learn that the union has chosen to reject the very generous wage and benefits package that we presented to them today. That package included:

•    Average wage increases of 30% over the 3-year term of the contact.

•    Top pay reaching $27.25 per hour for experienced drivers.

•    Increased guaranteed hours paid. 

•    A 30-minute guarantee for extra-work.

•    A 29% increased 401K contributions. 

•    A 33% increase in life insurance benefits.

•    Paid holiday gift cards and holiday party contributions.

•    Reduced pay tiers from 4 to 3.

•    Reaching longevity in 7 years vs. the current 10-year structure. 

We believe the offer contained in the tentative agreement is a very competitive compensation and benefits package for our dedicated Warwick school bus drivers.

Fortunately, the union has agreed to continue negotiations through October 22nd, so there will be no disruption to student bus service next week.

First Student remains committed to remaining at the negotiating table and to reaching a fair and equitable new contract agreement for our valued Warwick school bus drivers."