First Student and drivers reach deal

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A deal has been reached between First Student and its unionized drivers.

Last week, 340 bus drivers went on strike after negotiations broke down.

The strike nearly left 18,000 New Haven students without a way to get home. However, a temporary truce was called and the drivers returned to work Thursday afternoon.

"Education is a team effort that involves the hard work of many professionals, including teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers and school bus drivers. I congratulate both First Student and the bus drivers for reaching an agreement today that respects the interests of all involved and allows our kids to continue to have a productive school year," said Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

"I applaud both sides for putting children first and working together to reach a deal that protects kids and is fair to both bus drivers and First Student. Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of every student of New Haven Public Schools," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Mayo. "I also want to thank my transportation director, Teddi Barra, for her hard work during this time and her steadfast commitment to the 18,000 children we bus to and from school every day."

The drivers had been operating without a contract since June 30.