First Student School Bus Drivers in Illinois Vote to Strike

Potential work stoppage could affect districts in DeKalb, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:18am

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School bus drivers employed by First Student, a major transportation provider for several northern Illinois school districts, have voted by an 88% margin to authorize a strike effective March 31. The Teamsters union, which represents the drivers, says First Student is refusing to offer adequate health care and retirement benefits. Both sides are scheduled to meet for bargaining sessions on March 30-31, but it remains unclear if an agreement can be reached to avoid the strike.

Why it matters

A strike by First Student drivers could significantly disrupt school transportation services in several communities, forcing districts to find alternative ways to get students to and from school. This highlights the critical role school bus drivers play and the ongoing labor tensions in the industry over issues like compensation and benefits.

The details

The Teamsters union, which represents the First Student drivers, says the company is refusing to offer health care and retirement benefits to all of its members. The union has authorized the strike by an 88% margin, but both sides are scheduled to meet for bargaining sessions on March 30-31 in a last-ditch effort to reach an agreement and avoid a work stoppage.

  • The strike authorization vote by Teamsters members took place on March 27, 2026.
  • The potential strike is set to take effect on March 31, 2026.

The players

Teamsters Union

The labor union representing the First Student school bus drivers who voted to authorize the strike.

First Student

The major school bus transportation provider that operates services for several northern Illinois school districts, including DeKalb, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon.

Minerva Garcia-Sanchez

Superintendent of DeKalb School District 428, which relies on First Student for its bus transportation services.

Matt Taibi

Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division.

Jean Auguste

Bus worker and member of Teamsters Local 251.

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What they’re saying

“The Teamsters Union has been consistently raising the standards within the school bus industry for decades, and this contract will be no different. These essential workers deserve nothing less than a contract that reflects the devotion and skill they put into their jobs every day. First Student is trying to cut costs by refusing to offer health care or retirement benefits to all of our members and we will not stand for it.”

— Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division

“This strike authorization goes to show we are willing to do what it takes to get the agreement we deserve. These are not difficult asks — we are fighting for a contract that provides basic benefits many bus workers across the country have. We don't want to strike, but we will if the company doesn't come to terms on a fair agreement.”

— Jean Auguste, Bus worker and member of Teamsters Local 251

What’s next

The bargaining sessions scheduled for March 30-31 will be crucial in determining whether the strike can be averted. If an agreement is not reached, the strike by First Student drivers is set to begin on March 31.

The takeaway

This labor dispute highlights the vital role school bus drivers play in supporting students and communities, and the ongoing challenges in the industry to provide fair compensation and benefits. The potential strike underscores the need for school districts and transportation providers to work collaboratively to find solutions that meet the needs of both workers and the families they serve.