New contract approved by Philly schools' blue-collar workers

The union that represents blue-collar workers in the Philadelphia School District overwhelmingly approved a four-year contract Saturday that its leaders called historic.

The union local - SEIU 32BJ - said the agreement ends concessions that it made in the last contract that saved the district $100 million over four years and helped the school system during a financial crisis.

Ernie Bennett, District 1201 leader for 32BJ, said the new pact boosted workers' wages through a combination of bonuses, across-the-board increases, and step raises based on years of experience. Under an agreement with the district, he declined to reveal numbers because bargaining continues with other unions.

"I remember where we were four years ago, and it wasn't a good place," Bennett said. "We made sacrifices not only to keep our jobs but because we love our students. Many of us have children and grandchildren in the district. . . . This deal shows that our sacrifice was appreciated."

Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. agreed.

"Four years ago 32BJ members stepped up in a time of crisis and put the students of Philadelphia first," he said in a statement issued shortly before 6 p.m. "This contract recognizes the tremendous contributions that these members made."

The union represents more than 2,000 bus drivers, bus attendants, maintenance workers, cleaners, and building engineers. Average starting hourly wages currently range from $12 for a cleaner to $20 for a trade mechanic.

"I'm happy," Bennett said in an interview after more than 500 members ratified the contract during a meeting at the union's headquarters on North Fifth Street near Spring Garden Street.

Negotiations began in April for a contract to replace the agreement that expires Aug. 31.

Four years ago, when the district was facing a projected $282 million deficit, the union approved what its leaders called an "unprecedented" contract. Members of 32BJ agreed to forgo raises totaling 5 percent that they were due under their existing contract and to have their wages frozen for four years.

In addition, members agreed to make weekly contributions of between $5 and $45 - depending on income - to help reduce the district deficit.

In return for those concessions, the district promised to preserve the jobs of nearly all members and to provide them employment security through Aug. 31 of this year.

Under the new agreement, the weekly wage deductions will end July 1.

At a City Council hearing on the district's budget in May, Hite said the district was determined to reach new contracts this year with CASA, 32BJ, and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. The PFT contract expired in 2013.

martha.woodall@phillynews.com 215-854-2789 @marwooda