First Student negotiates, Dalton bus strike continues

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — The bus strike in Dalton is still ongoing as of Tuesday. Bus drivers started striking Monday, causing Dalton schools to be virtual for the day.

Now First Student, the school bus company, has started negotiating.

They sent out a statement saying they started participating in negotiations beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday. The following is the information they shared with News 12.

First Student also said the bargaining session lasted five hours. They agreed on 22 contract provisions. Those include three paid holidays, and company-paid life and AD&D insurance. It also includes premium pay for trainers.

Additionally, First Student proposed 7% wage increases.

All parties agreed to meet again Tuesday evening to continue bargaining.

“Based on the progress made during last night’s bargaining session, it is extremely unfortunate that this morning the union continues to strike, and harassed and attempted to intimidate their fellow employees who were attempting to transport Dalton school children to school,” First Student said in the release.

They also wanted to thank the Dalton Police Department for their quick response in protecting these employees.

“We remain committed to bargaining with the union and reaching a contract that will fairly compensate our employees for the service they provide to the Dalton community,” they continued.