School Bus Workers Achieve Labor Victory with DATTCO Contract in Burrillville

DATTCO School Bus Workers Ratify First Contract

Burrillville, R.I., March 17, 2025 – In a significant milestone for school bus workers in Rhode Island, nearly 50 employees, including drivers, monitors, and aides, have unanimously ratified their inaugural collective bargaining agreement with DATTCO, a key contractor for the Burrillville School District. This historic contract comes nearly a year after the workforce voted to join Teamsters Local 251, signaling a strong commitment to improving labor conditions in the transportation sector.

The newly ratified three-year agreement boasts remarkable improvements for the workers. As noted by Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251 and Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division, the contract reflects the essential role these employees play in their communities. "School bus workers provide an invaluable service to communities around the country, and they deserve good pay and benefits," he stated, emphasizing the Teamsters' mission to set higher standards within the industry.

Among the key features of the contract is a substantial average wage increase of over 30%, marking a significant advancement for the workers who often perform under challenging conditions. Additionally, the agreement includes robust workplace protections, access to comprehensive Teamsters health care, and mandatory retirement contributions from DATTCO into a Teamsters retirement plan. These enhancements are expected to provide long-term security and stability for the workers and their families.

Jeanette Runey, a veteran driver at DATTCO, expressed her pride in the ratification of the contract. "Today, we, DATTCO workers in Burrillville, celebrate the ratification of our first-ever collective bargaining agreement. This is a milestone for our yard and will improve our workplace tremendously," she remarked. Runey, an active member of the negotiating committee, reinforced the collaborative efforts made alongside her dedicated colleagues to ensure the agreement addressed the concerns of all union members.

Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,300 workers across various industries in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, demonstrating the union's extensive influence and commitment to worker advocacy.

The successful ratification of the contract not only marks a triumph for the DATTCO workers but also sets a precedent for other labor groups aiming to improve their working conditions through collective bargaining. The goodwill and determination exhibited by these workers illustrate the power of union solidarity in achieving fair labor practices.

As the school year progresses, these advancements promise to enhance the job satisfaction and quality of life for those dedicated to safely transporting students. With ongoing initiatives to uphold and enhance labor rights, Teamsters Local 251 continues its mission to uplift workers in Rhode Island and beyond.

For more information on Teamsters Local 251 and their initiatives, visit teamsterslocal251.org.