Philadelphia—Philadelphia School District workers announced ratification of a new four-year contract today covering 3,000 school aids, bus drivers, attendants and mechanics; as well as building engineers, cleaners and maintenance workers. Under the multi-year agreement between members of 32BJ SEIU and the Philadelphia School District, the workers will receive wage increases of at least 8 percent, employer-paid family health care and free, high-quality training.
“This new contract benefits both workers and students,” said George Ricchezza, 32BJ District 1201 Area Leader. “Workers were able to protect their health care coverage and gain significant raises in a tough economy. The increased training opportunities will help make Philly’s schools cleaner, safer and more efficient.”
In addition to raising standards for workers, the new agreement will help schools run more efficiently. The contract paves the way for a new labor-management partnership to improve service and the educational experience of the students.
“We work hard to help keep Philadelphia’s students safe and focused on learning,” said Karl Johnson, a building engineer at Edison High School and 32BJ executive board member. “With our new contract, we can provide a better experience for students in the schools and improve the quality of life for our members and their families.”
School District workers provide a variety of critical services, including emergency repairs to school roofs, air conditioning and floors. 32BJ represents more than 10,000 workers employed in K-12 school districts, including the New York City Schools, the School District of Philadelphia, and other districts throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
With 120,000 members in seven states, including 10,000 in Philadelphia, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.
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updated 4/13/2010
