Harrisburg, PA –
Nearly 100Philadelphia School District workers lobbied state officials today in an effort to stop them from cutting $1 million in education funds from the budget. The State provides 60% of the District’s revenue for pay, benefits and educational programs among others. The second round of negotiations for a new union contract covering 3,000 school district workers in Philadelphia is scheduled for tomorrow between 32BJ SEIU and representatives of the School District of Philadelphia.
“Any cuts in education funds would jeopardize school safety and student learning,” said George Ricchezza, 32BJ District 1201 Leader. “It would mean fewer men and women to deliver children to school safely and fewer to ensure the schools are safe and clean for the children.” School district workers provide a variety of critical services, including emergency repairs to school roofs, air conditioning and floors.
The current one-year contract between 32BJ and representatives of the School District of Philadelphia expires on August 31st. School aides, bus drivers, attendants and mechanics; as well as building engineers, cleaners and maintenance workers are seeking wage increases that stay ahead of inflation and protection of their quality health care benefits. Other goals include improved training, better equipment and increased hours for part-time workers and staff levels.
“We’ve got lives in our hands, we deliver precious cargo,” said Betty Foster, a Philadelphia school bus driver of 20 years and 32BJ member. “My colleagues and I aren’t asking for much, they can afford to give the little people a raise.” Bus drivers and attendants work with emotionally and physically challenged children and often provide guidance, a healthy snack, clothing and protection.
“I urge my colleagues to ensure that all of the federal stimulus money comes our way by complying with an Obama Administration rule to direct budget funds to our children’s education,” said State Representative Tony Payton Jr. “There are many Hardworking individuals in our schools and deep cuts will cause layoffs and that would be shortsighted, education funding is sacred in this year’s budget.”
With more than 110,000 members, including more than 15,000 in Pennsylvania, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country
