To: All Locals with First Student Bargaining Relationships
From: Matt Taibi; Passenger Transportation Division Director
Date: March 13, 2026
RE: First Student National Master Agreement Bargaining Updates
First Student National Master Agreement – Bargaining Update
The Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee (TFSNNC) met again this week in Washington, D.C., to continue fighting for an improved National Master Agreement (NMA).
Yesterday, negotiations abruptly ended as the company presented new proposals that would drastically undermine local supplemental agreements. Just one example of the bad faith proposals by the company included to sharply limit the number of guaranteed hours for employees — a change that would result in a reduction in pay for virtually all First Student Teamsters. This kind of attitude from the company is unacceptable and your committee will not tolerate it.
Strike Action Possible – 88% Strike Vote Authorization
The Committee will return to the table in Washington, D.C. on March 30 to continue negotiations. A strike authorization vote has been concluded, with over 88% of members voting to authorize a strike if necessary. Although First Student Teamsters work under hundreds of local supplemental agreements, all members are part of the NMA, which expires on March 31, 2026. The local supplements are all superseded and controlled by the NMA. As a result, if the company fails to reach a fair national agreement, members may be called to take necessary action to gain a strong contract, including participating in a strike.
Attached here is latest update on bargaining so far, to be distributed to First Student members. This update, as well as all future updates and FAQs, can also be found on our website: First Student Teamsters National Contract Bargaining Updates.
The Online Home of Teamsters Local 26 