'First Student' To Close Red Wing Facility, Lay Off 49 Workers

RED WING, MN — A school transportation company will shut down its Red Wing facility this summer, laying off dozens of workers after losing a key local contract.

First Student plans to permanently close its location at 714 Bench St. and lay off approximately 49 employees, according to a notice filed with the state under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

The company said the closure is tied to the loss of its contract with Red Wing Public Schools.

Layoffs and the facility shutdown are expected to occur during a 14-day period between June 16 and June 30.

The affected employees are represented by Teamsters Local 120 and have bumping rights, which may allow some workers to remain employed by displacing less senior employees within the company.

Positions impacted include drivers (both CDL and non-CDL), drivers in training, dispatchers, monitors or aides, a location manager, and a technician in charge.

The Minnesota State Rapid Response Team has been notified and will coordinate assistance for impacted workers. Senior specialist Liz McLoone will lead the response efforts.

No additional details about potential severance or reassignment opportunities were immediately available.