[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] While Warwick Schools were able to meet all their bus route needs despite challenges with a national bus driver shortage, the ranks of RIDE bus drivers could be filled by non-union DATTCO workers, a move the RI AFL-CIO protests will undermine driver wages and benefits.

AFL-CIO Protests Non-Union RIDE Bus Drivers, Staff

By: Rob Borkowski on May 8, 2024 in News to You, Schools

PROVIDENCE, RI — As nationwide bus driver staffing shortages persist, union bus drivers, monitors and aides ask Rhode Island’s Department of Education (RIDE) to stop courting the largely non-union company […]

[CREDIT: WPS} Camely Machado, Manager of Non-Instructional Student Services, left, and Carla McGovern, transportation coordinator, answer questions about the bus driver shortage and crossing guard shortage.

Bus Driver Shortage Stymies Schools

By: Joe Siegel on February 8, 2023 in Uncategorized

WARWICK, RI —Nationwide staffing challenges are also creating a bus driver shortage and lack of crossing guard staffing in Warwick, with no easy or complete solutions, the Warwick School Committee […]

[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] Warwick bus routes were cut short Friday over a reported driver shortage. Both the driver's union and First Student transportation say they're committed to a return to normal service Monday.

Dambruch ‘Highly Optimistic’ on Bus Service Monday

By: Rob Borkowski on October 4, 2021 in Schools

WARWICK, RI — Sunday night, Warwick Schools administration, School Committee members, drivers and parents were unsure if students would have a ride to and from class Monday, though Superintendent Lynn […]

Driver Union: Warwick Bus Disruption, ‘Not a Strike’

By: Rob Borkowski on October 1, 2021 in Schools

WARWICK, RI — When First Student transportation sent its drivers home Friday morning after only taking Warwick high schoolers to class, Local 616 Secretary-Treasuer Steve Sousa was surprised. “I just […]