What happened
The Teamsters said on September 1 that more than 750 First Student school-bus workers were preparing for a possible strike after negotiations over eight local supplemental agreements broke down.
On September 3, NBC 10 News reported that the union had delayed strike action for the time being while negotiations continued. The report said First Student had committed to providing final offers on the eight supplemental agreements, but no agreement or work stoppage was announced.
Who is affected
The reporting identified service in Providence, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Smithfield, Barrington, Central Falls, Bristol-Warren, Portsmouth, West Warwick, and statewide out-of-district routes.
The public statement did not list every job classification or disclose detailed wage and benefit proposals.
What it means for drivers
School-bus drivers and applicants should distinguish strike authorization, delayed strike action and an actual work stoppage. Current employer, district and union notices remain the appropriate source for day-to-day work and route status.
CDL school-bus and passenger requirements remain separate from the labor dispute and continue to apply to anyone operating covered vehicles.
Primary sources and supporting records
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Rhode Island Teamsters Prepare for Strike at First StudentPrimary interested-party union statement • Published 2026-09-01 • Checked September 10, 2026 at 11:36 PM
- NBC 10 News (WJAR): Potential school bus strike put on hold amid negotiationsReputable local reporting attributing the postponement to a Teamsters statement • Published 2026-09-03 • Checked September 13, 2026 at 5:08 PM
- First Student: Company and service informationCompany context • Checked September 10, 2026 at 11:36 PM
- National Labor Relations Board: The right to strikePrimary federal labor-law context • Checked September 10, 2026 at 11:36 PM
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