PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Providence City Council subcommittee has approved a $25 million contract extension for the private school bus company whose drivers recently went on strike.
The council’s School Department Oversight Committee voted 3-0 Wednesday in support of the contract with First Student Inc.
The contract will now go before the full council for approval.
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Some parents affected by the 11-day strike that ended earlier this month criticized the committee’s decision.
The strike centered on a dispute over retirement benefits, and more than 9,000 students were left without transportation.
Committee members say it is unlikely bus drivers will strike again before the end of the two-year contract extension.
The committee says the city could be left without a bus service again if First Student rejected the terms of the contract.
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