Teamsters Strike Deal with First Student, Avoiding Nationwide Walkout

The Facts -

Teamsters and First Student Reach Tentative Agreement to Prevent Strike

The possibility of a nationwide strike by school bus workers has been avoided as the Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee (TFSNNC) and First Student have formulated a tentative agreement. This development follows a decisive 88 percent vote by members to authorize strike action, highlighting the readiness of the workers to ensure favorable contract terms.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien remarked on the achievement, stating, “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." He noted that the Teamsters' efforts have set elevated standards across the school bus industry.

The newly proposed contract introduces a national economic framework, which will be consistently applied in local agreements, promising enhanced retirement benefits, better access to healthcare, and strong contractual protections for the workforce. This new baseline is expected to further assist in negotiating critical local issues. The agreement will soon be put to a vote by Teamsters at First Student.

Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division, Matt Taibi, emphasized, “This tentative agreement is the direct result of members standing shoulder to shoulder and refusing to settle for less.” The workers' preparedness to strike was pivotal, showcasing their unity and determination at the negotiating table.

The National First Student Master Agreement, safeguarding over 17,000 bus workers nationwide, was due to expire on March 31. Kelly Plaisted, a member of the negotiating committee from Teamsters Local 633, expressed that their resolve to strike, if necessary, offered significant leverage during negotiations, resulting in the tentative deal.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, advocates for 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information can be found at Teamster.org. Stay updated by following them on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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