RHODE ISLAND TEAMSTERS PREPARE FOR STRIKE AT FIRST STUDENT

Over 750 Workers at Teamsters Local 251 Demand a Fair Agreement

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 750 school bus workers represented by Teamsters Local 251 are preparing to strike at First Student after negotiations over eight local supplemental agreements broke down. The strike could begin at six First Student locations as early as September 2.

Teamsters at First Student locations in Rhode Island overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike earlier this summer. Local 251 has spent the last few months bargaining with the company over local supplemental agreements covering workers who provide student transportation in Providence, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Smithfield, Central Falls, Bristol-Warren, Portsmouth, West Warwick, and statewide out-of-district routes.

"First Student has had all summer to reach fair agreements with the hardworking Teamsters who safely transport students across Rhode Island every day," said Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. "Our members have been clear about what it will take to avoid a strike. Now it's First Student's responsibility to bargain seriously and deliver the fair contracts these workers deserve."

With talks breaking down, members could go on strike as early as September 2, which would impact eight communities and statewide out-of-district bus routes.

"We take tremendous pride in getting students to and from school safely every day, and all we are asking for is the same commitment from First Student that we give to our jobs and our communities," said Gina Mota, a steward at First Student's Warren location and member of Local 251. "We are ready to work, but we are also ready to stand together if that is what it takes to get a fair contract."

Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,200 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, go to teamsters251.org.

Contact:
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
[email protected]

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 251