Press Releases
DATTCO Workers in Rhode Island Join Teamsters
Bus Workers Choose Teamsters Local 251 as Collective Bargaining Representative
Press Contact: Matt Taibi Phone: (401) 434-0454 x227 Email: mtaibi@teamster.org
(BURRILLVILLE, R.I.) – Bus drivers, monitors, and aides at DATTCO have voted to join Teamsters Local 251. The 46 new Teamsters provide student transportation for the Burrillville School District.
“DATTCO workers in Burrillville were determined to improve their workplace and secure union representation—and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the Teamsters,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251 and Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division. “After seeing other neighboring bus yards organize with the Teamsters, DATTCO workers wanted a strong union contract for themselves. We are looking forward to helping them secure their first Teamsters contract and address the issues most important to them.”
“We decided to join the Teamsters so our voices could be heard,” said Lisa Hinchcliff, a bus driver and trainer at DATTCO. “Unfortunately, in the past we have been given empty promises. We are looking forward to heading into negotiations where we will be heard.”
“Our yard is dependable, loyal, hardworking, and we deserve a fair wage,” said Jeanette Runey, a bus driver at DATTCO. “We decided to take our future into our own hands and join the Teamsters. Even though higher management heard us but failed to fully recognize us, organizing was clearly the only path forward to ensure we would be valued accordingly. I am excited to start the next step in finalizing our contract.”
Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,300 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, visit teamsterslocal251.org.