Information about the City of Providence's response to the strike can be found by calling (401) 919-5271 or visiting the Providence Schools website.
As negotiations between Teamsters Local 251 and First Student Inc once more reached a standstill, Providence school bus drivers went on strike Thursday morning, picketing on the corner of Union Avenue and Ricom Way. The picket started at 6am and will continue until contract negotiations bear fruit.
During the picket workers were chanting, "We want pensions!" Negotiations between the union and the company have stalled due to First Student's apparent refusal to grant drivers a defined pension.
https://youtu.be/4DdqzNGk674
The strike affects around 9000 students in Providence who use busses to get to school. At a press conference Wednesday held at the Providence Public Safety Complex, Superintendent of Providence Schools Chris Maher, Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré and Police Chief Hugh Clements went over the City's response. Students will not be academically or otherwise penalized for being late or absent for the first three days of the strike.
The strike means that there will be a significant increase in traffic and vehicles getting students to their schools. Parents and guardians are being asked to make sure they have a good plan to get their students to school. Parents and guardians should have photo ID for pickup, and should update their contact information with the schools.
https://youtu.be/6GCuN94nsIE
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