Strike averted: Bus transportation continuing in North Hills SD after last-minute agreement

PITTSBURGH — A strike that would have impacted bus transportation for thousands of students in the North Hills School District has been averted.

Shortly after midnight Wednesday, a tentative contract agreement was reached between the district’s transportation contractor, ABC Transit, and Teamsters Local 249, the union representing the bus drivers.

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Had the agreement not been reached, families would have been responsible for transporting their children to and from school starting Wednesday. With the successful negotiations, however, transportation will be provided Wednesday to all NHSD students and private and parochial school students.

There are 4,600 students in the district and 94% of them ride the bus each day.

“Our bus drivers are a vital part of our daily operations. Without them, we cannot give all of our students the in-person educational experience they need and deserve,” North Hills Superintendent Patrick Mannarino said in a statement. “We are thankful the two sides could come together and reach an agreement.”

ABC Transit released the following statement after the agreement was reached:

“ABC Transit, Inc. negotiated Tuesday into Wednesday morning with Teamsters Local 249 in an attempt to gain a tentative three-year contract and avoid a strike in the North Hills School District. Following 2 hours of negotiations with a federal mediator, ABC Transit, Inc. agreed to a tentative contract with Teamsters Local 249, who indicated they will present the tentative agreement for approval to its membership. As a result, transportation will be provided for all North Hills School District students today, Wednesday, November 3. More information on the contract vote will be forthcoming.”

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