First Student Teamsters ratify ‘life-changing’ contract

Improved leave, healthcare benefits, retirement security, and paid holidays secured through collective bargaining

TUKWILA, WA (June 4, 2025) — Nearly 300 school bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics at First Student now have a strong new contract rewarding their valued work. The workers, united together in Teamsters Local 174, voted overwhelmingly in favor of a contract, which the union reports provides significant improvements to time off, healthcare benefits — and sets a new area standard for all Seattle school bus employees.

In a statement announcing the ratification, Teamsters Local 174 noted that while the negotiations were challenging — workers at one point were compelled by the employer’s intransigence to take a strike vote — First Student Teamsters now have a contract that sets a new standard for all Seattle school bus employees.

First Student Teamsters pose for a photo after taking a strike vote in April. Photo: Teamsters Local 174

These negotiations come in the wake of success at the State Legislature, with the passage of a bill to provide funding for affordable healthcare benefits and retirement security for contracted transportation service employees in Washington State School Districts. Local 174 members fought hard to secure it’s passage, testifying before the Legislature at every turn to push the bill forward.

Per the union, this new legislation not only transforms benefits for Local 174 contracted employees working in Seattle, but will apply to other contract providers working in School Districts across the State.

“We are pleased the Employer came to understand their obligation with this new legislation rather than forcing an unnecessary labor dispute. These negotiations, led by Director of Negotiations Marcus Williams, will change these members’ lives immediately,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks in a statement.

The contract also provides more time off for long-term workers and provides paid holidays for the first time in history.

“School bus drivers have one of the most important jobs in this Local Union, safely transporting our most precious cargo – our children – to and from school every day,” continued Hicks. “They deserve the respect they are receiving in this contract, and we are so happy for them and look forward to seeing how much these big contract improvements will affect them on a daily basis.”

While First Student Teamsters now have a life-changing contract, the fight to improve working conditions for school bus drivers continues.

“Our focus can now begin to shift to First Student’s major competitor in the Seattle area, which is Zūm Transportation,” said Hicks. “The bar has been set, and we expect Zūm to rise to the occasion.”