School bus drivers in Providence could be on strike as soon as Wednesday. But there may be some glimmer of hope to try to avert it.
The Teamsters Union said that on Saturday, the drivers rejected the latest contract offer from First Student, the private company contracted by the school district. Governor Dan McKee urged the union to delay any job action.
“A strike will negatively impact our efforts to improve student attendance and help students recover from the pandemic’s impact on their education, all at a crucial time as schools are preparing students for RICAS assessments in the coming weeks. We also know that for the approximate 8,500 student riders who will be hurt by a strike, there are numerous families who will also face disruptions at home and at work and will have to make difficult decisions. Additionally, this will impact students’ ability to access nutritious meals with approximately 90% of Providence students qualifying for free and reduced meals and nearly 17,000 students taking advantage of school breakfasts and lunches. This is not acceptable, and it is avoidable.
The governor expressed hope that an agreement can be reached to avert a walkout at mid-week.
The Governor and Providence Mayor are in a tough place since they can only urge both parties to come together on a deal.
First Student is negotiating directly with its drivers.