Local 251 Secures Contract with Wage Hikes and Better Benefits

Significant Wage Increase and Benefits Achieved by Teamsters Local 251 at Ocean State Transit

In a remarkable show of unity, nearly 200 school bus drivers and attendants have secured a substantial new contract with Ocean State Transit, a subsidiary of Student Transport of America. The newly ratified agreement, approved by an overwhelming majority of Teamsters Local 251 members, features an average wage rise of 23 percent spread over three years, along with enhanced benefits such as Teamsters pension, health care, and additional paid holidays.

According to Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251, the new contract is a testament to the members' determination to secure fair wages and respect from their employer. "This contract only goes to show that our members are ready to fight for what they deserve," Taibi stated. "These bus workers were prepared to go on strike if necessary to win fair compensation and respect from their employer."

The Teamsters Local 251 group, organized in 2019, is responsible for transporting students of East Providence Schools, Barrington Schools, Achievement First, Paul Cuffee Schools, and Highland Charter Schools. This essential service is now duly recognized, as highlighted by Charlene Gomes, a union steward and bus worker, who expressed enthusiasm over the new contract, "We love doing what we do and serving our community, and we are excited to have a contract that respects the hard work and effort we put in every single day."

Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,200 workers across various industries in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Further details about their activities and initiatives are available on their official site: https://teamsterslocal251.org/.