Rockford schools food-service workers, paraprofessionals ratify new contracts

Food-service workers and paraprofessional employees who work for the Rockford School District ratified new collective bargaining agreements in votes held Sept. 18 and 19, respectively.

Reached after more than a year of negotiations, the settlements significantly improve pay for workers who previously struggled making less than $10 an hour. The four-year contracts raise wages by 2% retroactive to July 2012, add $1.10 to the base wage as of July 2013, and include 2% increases in July 2014 and 2015 as well.

"We work hard every day to feed the children and look after them," said food-service worker Madeline Sherod, president of AFSCME Local 3210. "It wasn't right that we were so low-paid that we struggled to feed our own families, but with this contract, we're turning that around."

In addition, the agreements cushion changes to health insurance by providing preventive and diagnostic care such as mammograms and colonoscopies at no cost, establishing an employee wellness committee and creating three plan options to allow workers to make the best choice for themselves and their families.

"This was a tough negotiation, and while nobody got everything they wanted, it's a fair contract," said Betty Christenson, a paraprofessional and president of their union, AFSCME Local 692. "The pay increases will help keep pace with health premiums, and the no-cost preventive care will keep everyone healthier."

Contract talks continue for a third group of Rockford school employees, bus drivers represented by AFSCME Local 1275.

"The drivers make sure every child gets to school safely and back home again, every day," AFSCME staff representative Ed Sadlowski said. "It's past time for the school board to pay them and all workers a living wage."

Previously:

Hundreds rally for Rockford school support staff (August 2013)

Rockford school workers keep up the fight (July 2013)

Rockford school workers demand fair contract (April 2013)