Warwick School Bus Company Says Union “Holding Transportation of Students Hostage”

Warwick School Bus Company Says Union “Holding Transportation of Students Hostage”

Bus company First Student is accusing the union that represents bus drivers in Warwick of “holding the transportation of thousands of students hostage as a negotiating tactic” after the union rejected the last contract offer. 

The back-in-forth marks the latest this school year since Mayor Frank Picozzi announced last week that a bus strike was imminent by last Friday; that action was averted when negotiations were extended — and First Student made public the details of their then-latest contract offer. 

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On Thursday night, First Student spokesperson Frank McMahon issued the following statement after the latest breakdown in contract negotiations. 

"First Student is disappointed that ATU Local 618 has again voted down the generous contract offer we put forward after 17 good faith negotiating sessions with union leadership since April. The contract offered to the union contained a package of wage increases and benefit improvements that we believe is generous, competitive, and values the hard work of our dedicated Warwick school bus drivers.  When we left the negotiations on Wednesday we had reached a tentative agreement that received the endorsement of both the union bargaining committee and ATU leadership. 
 
We understand that even one day without yellow bus transportation is a hardship for the families, students and schools that depend on us. It is unfortunate that Local 618 continues to be willing to hold the transportation of thousands of Warwick students hostage as a negotiating tactic.
 
We stand ready and willing to return to the negotiating table anytime, anywhere to avoid further disruption to Warwick Public Schools student bus service."