PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The School District of Philadelphia and its blue-collar workers' union on Friday made a tentative contract agreement, averting a strike that was threatened for next week.
Just days before classes begin on Monday, the district reached the tentative agreement with SEIU 32BJ, the union representing its 2,000 bus drivers, cleaners and maintenance workers.
Terms of the tentative contract aren’t being released, but the union in a statement says the deal provides wage increases that bring 32BJ workers in line with comparable city workers.
The deal would also maintain pension, health, sick leave, and vacation benefits and provide millions of dollars for more training programs.
Related
“We have a deal!” said 32BJ Vice President Gabe Morgan.
“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.”
“We are excited that we were able to reach an agreement in principle that reflects the deep respect and value we have for our almost 2,000 building engineers, bus chauffeurs, bus attendants, bus mechanics, custodial assistants, general cleaners and tradespeople who are represented by 32BJ SEIU District 1201,” said School District of Philadelphia Chief Talent Officer Larisa Shambaugh.
"We all look forward to starting the new school year with the certainty that we will do so without disruption to in-person learning for our students and families.”
Members of District 1201 of SEIU 32BJ last Saturday had authorized a strike if a new contract wasn’t reached by the expiration of its current two-year deal on Aug. 31.
Related
Negotiations had stalled at that point over training and wage issues, but Schools Superintendent Tony Watlington said earlier this week that he felt “optimistic” a deal would come before Monday’s start of the school year.
Both sides now need to ratify the agreement.