Dear SEIU SCOE classified professionals:
 
After months of challenging work and effort from your bargaining team and many of your fellow union co-workers, we are proud to announce that we have finalized the text of our tentative agreement (TA) for members to consider. We strongly encourage a YES vote from the membership.
 
These negotiations show the potential of our power to enact positive change when we stand together. We reached a TA with no concessions while also addressing concerns around layoffs and economic pressure due to inflation. The wins of this agreement were not just handed to us; it required us to stand and push together for equity.
 
Below are just some of the highlights of our tentative agreement. The full text of each article can be found here. The ratification vote schedule and voting methods will be sent out over email.
 
Article # 4- No Discrimination
 
We added religious dress, grooming practices, veteran or military status, and political affiliation to the list of protected classes and activities to the non-discrimination clause. Inserted new language to make it more straightforward for members to know their rights and process to file a complaint should they believe they are subject to unlawful discrimination.
 
Article #5 ”Dignity Clause”
 
The clause creates a new process for members to address issues when a unit member is not treated with dignity and courtesy.
 
Article #6 -Union Rights
 
Ensures that bargaining team members are paid straight time to bargain with SCOE when negotiations occur outside the team members’ regular work schedule.  
 
Article #7 – Labor Management Committee (LMC)
 
Committee members will be paid straight time to carry out LMC Business with SCOE when meetings occur outside the members’ regular work schedule.
 
Article #10 – Compensation
 
Effective July 1, 2022, unit members shall receive an 8% wage increase
Effective July 1, 2023, unit members shall receive an 8 % wage increase
Effective July 1, 2024, unit members shall receive an 8 % wage increase
(For a total of 24% over the three-year term of the contract)
 
Hazard Pay
 
Classroom, custodial and maintenance staff employed as of Thursday, September 1, 2022, will receive a one-time payment of $1500.
 
Non-classroom staff employed as of Thursday, September 1, 2022, will receive a one-time payment of $750.
 
Payment of the hazard pay will occur on the December payroll.
 
Layoffs
 
Added one extra month of healthcare for a total of four months and a one-time payment of $1000 by October 1 of each year during the contract term should an employee be unemployed or under-employed.
 
Article #17- Working Conditions
 
The TA increases reimbursement for slip-proof shoes from $40 every two years to $140 yearly for members who need them at their worksites.  
 
The agreement increases the reimbursement of boots for the Maintenance and Operations Department to $250 yearly.
 
Reopeners
 
The parties agree that during the 2022/2023 school year but no sooner than February 1, 2023, the parties agree to reopen negotiations on Article 14, Section 1, “Early Retirement Incentive,” and to consider a pilot program for a telework policy.
 
The Summer Alternative Work Schedule (4/10s) will also be reopened to see if the parties can reach a permanent agreement.
 

Only members can vote on the TA. Not a member yet? It’s not too late to join!

Lastly, we want to encourage all non-members again to join their union, as only members can vote on this TA. Human resources and business services are two departments where we hope more of our co-workers will participate due to low membership rates. More importantly, we need to support each other and ensure we have enough resources to enforce and bargain our contract now and into the future. Only members have a voice in their union. It is not too late to join and vote in the upcoming ratification.

Click here to fill out the membership application now!
Members-only benefits: www.seiumb.com – family discounts for you as a union member.
 
Your SEIU 1021 Bargaining Team,
 
Alli Britton, SEIU Steward: abritton@scoe.org
Karen Catalano, SEIU Steward:  beehive5@sonic.net
Abby Ward, SEIU Steward: ack11@comcast.net
Aaron Burton, SEIU Rep: aaron.burton@seiu1021.org

View the full TA here.