Penn-Trafford's 34 special-education student aides have their first union contract.

School directors unanimously approved a pact Monday that is retroactive to July 1, 2009, and runs through June 30, 2013. The deal had previously been ratified by the members of the Service Employees International Union 32BJ, which also represents the district's custodial and secretarial workers.

Ramona Pope, director of human resources, said highlights of the contract include annual raises of 60 cents an hour, bereavement days and the right to earn personal days and sick days.

"It's based on attendance," Pope said. "They have to work so many consecutive days to earn them." The agreement does not include medical benefits.

Negotiations had been under way for more than a year.

Prior to the contract, the student aide paraprofessionals were earning $11.50 per hour and did not receive paid sick days, health care or any other benefits.

"With their first union contract, the paraprofessionals who support Penn-Trafford students with special needs will get the regular raises they deserve," said Gabe Morgan, area director of SEIU Local 32BJ. "But we will keep fighting until these hardworking school employees get the health care and sick-day benefits they need to ensure the health of their families and school children."

The paraprofessionals provide support to students on a one-on-one basis in areas such as skill-building, self-advocacy skills and classroom assistance.

Pope said she was happy to see the deal reached.

"It was really positive to come to a resolution," Pope said. "We had a very difficult time with health care reform, the retirement system, the recession, (considering the) taxpayers. All of those factors were major considerations for the school district and the union."