Princeton City School bus drivers launched an indefinite strike on Oct. 1 after failing to reach a contract agreement with contractor First Student following a Sept. 29 bargaining session. Represented by OAPSE, drivers — many Princeton alumni — demand higher wages and restored medical benefits after years of cuts since outsourcing in 2014. The district says schools will remain open, will not penalize transportation-related absences starting Oct. 1, and will offer remote learning; union leaders say several drivers qualify for Medicaid and call the company's offer inadequate.
Princeton City Bus Drivers Launch Indefinite Strike, Demand Livable Wages and Restored Benefits
Jammie Coburn, Princeton bus driver and Princeton alumn, pickets as drivers strike outside of Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Princeton City School bus drivers began an indefinite strike on Oct. 1 after failing to reach a contract agreement with First Student during bargaining on Sept. 29. The drivers — who transport more than 5,000 students daily and many of whom are Princeton alumni — say years without medical or prescription coverage and stagnant pay have made their wages unlivable.
What Happened
The Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) represents the drivers in negotiations with First Student, the private contractor that provides transportation services for Princeton City Schools. District officials say the school district is not a party to the contract talks. After negotiations stalled, drivers began picketing on Oct. 1.
Why Drivers Are Striking
Drivers say outsourcing to First Student in 2014 led to a significant reduction in benefits and pay. Jammie Coburn, a driver for 30 years who is affectionately known to students as "Ms. C," recalled that the district's workforce dropped from about 70 drivers to roughly 35 after outsourcing. Many drivers remained out of loyalty despite diminished benefits.
Striking bus drivers picket on Chester Road outside of Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
"If we can't have a livable wage, we can't pay for fuel to even get to work, we can't give food to our family. What's the point?" — Tarelle Harris, Princeton bus driver and alum.
"We're out here because we love the kids, and we know that if the district and First Student can come together to increase our wages, we could do the job that we've already loved to do." — Jammie Coburn
Union Demands
Union negotiators initially sought restored insurance benefits. When that did not materialize, their priorities shifted toward higher pay and better work guarantees. The union's proposals included:
- A $3-per-hour raise in the first year, then $2-per-hour increases in years two and three
- A 5.5-hour daily route guarantee
- Additional pay for covering open routes
- Requirements for accurate wage reporting to state unemployment agencies
Union representative Derryl Hall said several drivers currently earn so little they qualify for Medicaid.
Company Response
First Student issued a statement on Sept. 23 saying it had presented a refreshed contract offer that it described as an average wage increase of roughly 27% over a four-year agreement. The union, however, said in a Sept. 29 release that the company’s proposal effectively amounted to a five-cent raise over three years — a figure drivers called insulting.
Striking bus drivers picket on Chester Road outside of Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
"These drivers get Princeton's kids to school and back home safely every day, and they are the reason First Student makes money on this contract. Offering them another nickel over three years tells you how the company values them." — Derryl Hall, union representative
District Actions and Impact
Princeton City Schools posted an update on Sept. 29 saying school buildings would remain open during the strike and that students and staff should report as usual. The district will not penalize families for transportation-related absences beginning Oct. 1 and will offer remote learning options for students unable to attend in person. Superintendent Mari Phillips said administrators had been preparing contingency plans and that union leadership had not directly informed the district of the strike beforehand.
About First Student
First Student, headquartered on Second Street in downtown Cincinnati, provides student transportation at more than 530 locations across the United States and Canada. The company operates over 48,000 vehicles in North America and says it facilitates roughly 4.8 million student journeys each day.
Ongoing Situation: Negotiations remain active. Drivers and union leaders say they are striking to press for a fair contract; district officials say they are working to maintain student learning and safety while the dispute continues.
Help us improve.
