District, Service Employees reach tentative contract agreement
The Wichita Public Schools and the Service Employees International Union Local 513 have reached a tentative two-year contract agreement for 2008-2010. The agreement was reached through an interest-based bargaining process that allowed the groups to address multiple employment issues of mutual concern. Prior to the 2009-2010 contract year, the IBB process will open for salary and benefit conversations only.
Highlights of the package include:
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2.9 percent salary increase;
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Movement on the step schedule (years of service); and
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Health and insurance benefits valued at $590 per employee per month
“This is the fifth year we have used interest-based bargaining to reach an agreement with SEIU, and it has proven to be a positive process for negotiating issues and collaborating to solve problems in a non-confrontational environment,” said Martin Libhart, superintendent.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this year’s negotiations,” said Julie Martin, SEIU spokesperson “Both health benefits and salary improvements were of great interest to the employees we represent, so it is significant that our health benefits will continue to remain strong in addition to the salary increase.”
SEIU members will vote on this tentative agreement on Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Enterprise Place Union Hall, 1330 E. 1st Street. Following member ratification, the Board of Education will give final approval to the agreement.
SEIU Local 513 represents about 2,000 classified employees in the district, including custodians, clerical staff, paraprofessionals, food service and school service center employees.
July 11, 2008