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Deal Reached to Avert First Student School Bus Driver Strike that Loomed over Massachusetts Communities
The Teamsters union represents about 18,000 First Student bus drivers nationwide who may strike if contract talks fail by April 1, potentially disrupting school transportation.
- On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and First Student reached a tentative agreement, averting a potential nationwide strike affecting 17,000 school bus workers across the country.
- With 88% of members authorizing a strike last week, Teamsters sought a new contract addressing demands for pension funds instead of 401 benefits and improved health care access.
- The agreement establishes a national standard including "stronger retirement benefits, improved access to health care benefits and robust contractual protections," said Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division.
- Susan Donahue of the public relations firm Skyya confirmed the agreement is "fair," stating "there has been no disruption to service, and we will continue to operate as normal."
- While the national agreement sets baseline standards, local contracts remain in effect for districts like Leominster Public Schools. Superintendent Robin Desmond noted districts closely monitored the situation to prepare for potential disruptions.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
School bus driver strike averted as First Student, Teamsters reach tentative deal - The Boston Globe
“We stood ready to strike nationwide, and that strength gave us the leverage to reach this tentative agreement,” said Kelly Plaisted, a school bus worker in New Hampshire.
·Boston, United States
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First Student, union reach tentative deal to avoid school bus driver strike
On Tuesday, the Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee announced in a press release that it has reached "a strong tentative agreement" with bus company First Student.
·East Providence, United States
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
C 84%
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