PHILADELPHIA – 32BJ SEIU Philadelphia School Workers announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement that achieves historic wage increases for the union’s membership in what will be the first post-pandemic contract between the two sides. The tentative agreement was reached before the expiration of the current contract on August 31, averting a strike of 2,000 public school service workers, including bus drivers, bus attendants, bus mechanics, cleaners, building engineers, and trades workers who keep the schools safe, sanitized, and running properly. The deal must be ratified by 32BJ SEIU membership in a vote.
In this contract, 32BJ SEIU, representing 2,000 Philadelphia District school workers, reaches agreement on the following issues:
- Historic wage increases that bring 32BJ workers in line with comparable city workers over the course of the agreement
- Millions in funding for additional standardized training programs
- Maintains excellent pension and employer paid health benefits
- Protects paid sick leave and paid vacation
The tentative agreement protects pension and health care benefits while also providing a historic wage increase that meets the prevailing city wage. The economic security provided in the tentative contract will ensure that school workers will be able to continue to keep Philadelphia public schools safe, clean, and running properly.
32BJ Vice President Gabe Morgan said: “We have a deal! We got a deal that gives our members historic pay increases, while giving them the training they need to keep themselves and students safe. This contract honors the enormous contributions and sacrifices that 32BJ school workers have made, including risking their lives throughout the pandemic. 32BJ members are proud to show up to work every day and that includes the upcoming school days. I want to thank Mayor Kenney and all of the elected officials for their support and for bringing us together, without which we wouldn’t have reached an agreement.”
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With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, including Washington DC, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers’ union in the country.