Local 226 settled a contract with First Student at the Clifton, N.J. Depot on October 30, averting an almost definite strike.  After many contentious bargaining sessions Susan Resch, Administrative VP; Jerome Lafragola, Staff Representative; and Jon Bradford, President of Local 226, with the help of a federal mediator, came to an agreement just hours before members were set to walk out on the job.

The sticking point in the negotiations was a zero percent increase in the first year of the agreement, which Bradford, the committee and members all agreed was unacceptable. 

The three-year agreement provides for yearly substantial wage increases for drivers and aides, and many other important benefit improvements.  The contract was overwhelmingly ratified by the voting members with only one “no” vote.