Revere crossing guards receive new three-year contract

Advocate Staff Report

Revere crossing guards will receive increased compensation, expanded benefits and clarified longevity language under a new three-year contract approved by the City Council on Monday night. The council voted to approve the appropriation needed to fund the agreement, which covers the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Under the new contract, crossing guards will receive four days of sick leave and seven paid holidays, including Juneteenth and Columbus Day. They will also receive an annual clothing allowance of $750. Compensation will increase throughout the life of the agreement. By fiscal year 2029, crossing guards at the highest step will be eligible for an hourly rate of $23, while crossing guard supervisors will be paid $29 per hour.

Several councillors praised the agreement and the work performed by crossing guards throughout the city. “It’s due time the crossing guards in the city get paid a decent wage; they take care of the children, keeping them safe, so I think it is all a plus,” said Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri.

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky said crossing guards perform their duties under challenging conditions. “The way these people drive around is crazy,” Novoselsky said. “The [crossing guards] put their hearts and souls in their jobs and they love it; they love the kids and the kids love them. I think we ought to recognize them and give them what they deserve.”

City Council President Anthony Zambuto also welcomed the new agreement, noting the conditions crossing guards face while working outdoors. “These men and women are outside in the rain and in the snow in the winter months,” Zambuto said. “They develop great relationships with the kids and their parents, and even the faculty.”

The agreement also clarifies longevity provisions for crossing guards, addressing language within the contract while establishing compensation and benefits through fiscal year 2029.