Framingham Bus Drivers Ratify New Contract

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Huge leaps toward a new contract for bus drivers allowed Framingham to avoid a driver strike in early May. This week, the school bus drivers union officially ratified that new deal.

Bus workers for North Reading Transportation, who drive the buses for Framingham Public Schools, "overwhelmingly" ratified a new contract that includes wage increases, Teamsters 401(k) with company contributions beginning in the second year and holiday and attendance bonuses for 64 workers, Teamster Local 170 announced.

"Congratulations to the Framingham bus workers for securing a strong new Teamster contract," said Shannon George, Local 170 Secretary-Treasurer.

"As school bus operators and attendants, these workers play a critical role in not only the school district, but in the lives of the children they transport. This contract is reflective of the important nature of their work and is well deserved."

Bus drivers in Framingham were poised to strike before the local School Committee and City Council held an emergency meeting earlier this month to find a way to avoid the strike. Mayor Charlie Sisitsky was able to get both sides back to the negotiating table, which led an agreement just a day later.

Read more: Framingham Avoids School Bus Driver Strike After Late Negotiations

Council members voted unanimously to re-bid the bus contract for four years, starting during the 2023-2024 school year. The vote would have been nullified had a strike taken place. The School Committee also voted unanimously to rebid.

Framingham Public Schools was in year two of a five-year contract with NRT, who is contracted to provide 77 drivers for 77 bus routes, a number they haven't met the entire school year, officials said.

This new contract, however, has workers hopeful that life will be a little easier moving forward.

"I am always proud to be a Teamster, but that is especially true today," said Joe Fonseca, NRT bus driver in Framingham.

"From wage increases to stronger benefits, this contract is going to make a significant difference for the better in our lives."