#United States #Teamsters #Smithfield #DATTCO

DATTCO Smithfield School Bus Workers Enjoy Major Contract Gains

DATTCO Smithfield school bus workers, represented by Teamsters Local 251, have successfully ratified a new three-year contract that provides substantial improvements in wages, healthcare access, job protections, and retirement benefits. This overwhelming decision was made on October 31, 2025, signifying a significant step forward for the members who first organized with Local 251 in 2020.

The newly ratified agreement secures wage increases of more than 30%, which marks a considerable gain for the bus workers who play an essential role in transporting students safely. The contract also offers access to the Teamsters health insurance plan, ensuring that employees receive the medical care they need. Stronger job protections were also established, reinforcing the rights and security of bus drivers and attendants in their positions. Additionally, the contract facilitates entry into the New England Teamsters Pension Fund, allowing workers to secure their futures.

Previously, these school bus workers won their first contract in early 2022 after a promising organizing campaign. When DATTCO took over the transportation contract in 2023, the new management honored the existing agreement, laying the groundwork for this latest contract negotiation. According to Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251, the latest contract is a representation of the collective strength of the Teamsters at DATTCO Smithfield, showcasing how unity can lead to meaningful and impactful changes in the workplace.

This development is part of a broader trend seen with DATTCO Teamsters across Rhode Island and Connecticut. Workers at DATTCO locations in East Hartford, Bloomfield, and Middletown also secured better contracts and enhanced benefits in the past year, reflecting a growing wave of victories for labor in the region. David Malone, a bus driver and member of Local 251, expressed the sentiment that the new agreement serves as a significant affirmation of the vital role drivers and attendants play in ensuring the well-being and education of students within the community.

Teamsters Local 251 has a robust representation of over 6,300 workers spanning various industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The organization continues to advocate for workers' rights and fair treatment in the workforce. This recent contract victory serves as a testament not only to the efforts of the DATTCO Smithfield team but also to the collective bargaining power that unions wield in negotiating better terms for all their members. As the labor landscape continues to evolve, this triumph stands out as a beacon of hope and progress for workers everywhere.

For further details about the union's ongoing efforts and achievements, interested parties can visit teamsters251.org. This development reiterates the critical need for unity and collective action among workers, and it puts forth a significant message about the importance of labor rights in today's economy.