Princeton City Schools Drivers Continued Strike

Bus drivers in Cincinnati held a protest to request school board support during a labor dispute with First Student.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Unions

Princeton City Schools Drivers Continued Strike

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Should your local school board intervene in contract negotiations between school bus companies and their drivers?

Nearly 60 Princeton City Schools bus drivers picketed to demand better pay and working conditions while the strike enters its ninth day. The labor dispute has left more than 5,000 students without school-provided transportation.

Why it matters

The drivers requested that the school board intervene to influence ongoing contract negotiations with their employer, First Student. This support could be critical for drivers, who currently remain without pay during the work stoppage.

The strike has officially lasted 9 days, affecting transportation for more than 5,000 students. Nearly 60 drivers participated in Monday's picket line to push for route guarantees and improved compensation.

The players

Princeton City Schools

The Cincinnati-area school district is currently managing the impact of the transportation strike on its student body.

First Student

This private company is the employer of the striking bus drivers and is currently engaged in contract negotiations.

The details

Drivers addressed the school board directly during an executive session on Monday night to advocate for their demands. To minimize the impact of the service disruption, the district has implemented remote learning options and confirmed that students will not be penalized for absences related to transportation issues.

The bus driver strike began on October 12, 2026.
Drivers addressed the school board on the night of October 12, 2026.
October 13, 2026, marked the ninth day of the ongoing strike.
The international union president is scheduled to join the picket line at 8 a.m. on October 13, 2026.

Political Context

The labor strike follows established collective bargaining processes protected under the National Labor Relations Act as drivers seek to influence their contract terms. Opposition from management often emphasizes the economic constraints of transportation contracts and the necessity of maintaining service budgets.

Families affected by the lack of bus service can utilize remote learning options provided by the district to ensure students do not fall behind. The district has confirmed that students will face no penalties for absences resulting from the current transportation unavailability.

The takeaway

The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of balancing private contractor labor costs with the transportation needs of a large school district. Parents should monitor district communications for updates on remote learning schedules and potential service resumption.