Marlboro school bus drivers return to work as strike ends
MARLBORO - School buses were back on their regular routes in Marlboro Thursday after a three-day driver strike ended late Wednesday night.
"I am thankful that the strike is settled. I know the students and families have missed their bus drivers and are happy to see them today," Marlboro School Superintendent Mary Murphy said in an email to WBZ-TV.
Parents told WBZ-TV they're happy things are back to normal.
"It was a disruption and strikes are supposed to be, and so I'm glad they got to a deal," said parent Alex Williamson.
Although buses were running again, some families chose to walk their kids to school, as they had all week.
"Kind of got in the habit of walking and getting a little extra morning exercise," said parent Jonathan Bloom.
Drivers hit the picket lines Monday morning after their union, Teamsters Local 170, failed to reach a deal with the bus company, NRT, on a new contract. The union said they'd be calling for higher wages for mini-bus drivers, van operators, and monitors.
"It's been kind of crazy seeing everyone but Marlboro is also really good at coming together as a community," said parent Ariana Harakles
Murphy said attendance was down about ten percent on the first day of the strike Monday.
"The staff reached out to families and by yesterday over 92% of our students were in school," she said.
A union representative told WBZ-TV an agreement was reached Wednesday night but the members still need to vote to ratify the deal.
"I want to thank the Mayor of Marlborough, the School Committee, and the Marlborough School Administration, as well as their staffs and constituents, for their patience and support during this challenging and stressful period," said NRT senior vice president Tim Sheehan.
Thursday morning, the district stuck with the arrival plan they've had in place all week, just in case some families didn't get the news in time.
"I think a lot of the teachers and administrators stepped up to help organize it all, so it was somewhat seamless," said Jonathan Bloom.
