Richmond City Public Schools (RPS) and the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 804 have finalized terms for a collective bargaining agreement. The union represents RPS’s Transportation Department employees.
As part of the negotiations, five bus drivers who were dismissed on April 25, 2025, will be reinstated on July 1. This follows an incident where call-outs led to afterschool activity cancellations. Both parties aim to prevent further disruptions in school transportation services.
The new three-year agreement, effective until the end of the 2026-27 school year, resolves issues that had previously stalled negotiations in fall 2024 concerning overtime pay structure. Bus drivers will now work six-hour days instead of eight-hour days to cut overtime costs while maintaining their salaries.
A revised system for activity runs has been introduced. Drivers will no longer receive a flat two hours of pay but will be compensated for actual time worked, including a paid staging period before after-school activities at their hourly rate. Payment will also be calculated in quarter-hour increments based on completion time.
In addition to these changes, transportation employees are set to receive a 7-percent salary increase in the 2026-27 school year. This is part of an overall wage increase totaling 23 percent over three years, with previous increases of 10 percent in 2024-25 and 6 percent in 2025-26.
RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras commented on the agreement: “I’m delighted we were able to negotiate this compromise agreement to ensure uninterrupted bus service this fall.” He emphasized its benefits for students and staff alike.
Keon Shim, LIUNA Local 804 Business Manager, praised the resolution process: “Local 804 looks forward to working with RPS and the School Board going forward to ensure safe, timely, and efficient transportation for students.”
School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez highlighted the importance of student safety and well-being: “It is our solemn obligation to care for our students from the moment they leave home until they return safely.” She stressed that decisions should prioritize student interests.
This agreement marks a collaborative effort between RPS administration and LIUNA towards improved governance focused on student welfare.
