School Committee approves new contracts with AFSCME unions

RHS Graduation scheduled for June 7 at Harry Della Russo Stadium

  The School Committee approved new three-year contracts with the unions representing custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and secretaries at its meeting on Tuesday. The contracts with AFSCME Councils 93 and 93A are retroactive to July 2021 and include 2.5 percent cost of living raises for the first two years of the contract and a 2 percent raise for the third year.

  “We negotiated for a very, very long time, which might make it seem like it was more arduous than it actually was,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly.

  Kelly noted that there were some changes in oversight from the union’s state agency that slowed up the process, but that overall there was a very collaborative spirit to the negotiations. “None of us left feeling like we won, because the whole point of negotiation is collaboration and mediation and finding the middle ground,” said Kelly.

  Kelly also praised the work done by the union members, especially over the last two years during the Covid-19 pandemic. “They really stepped up and did whatever they could, whenever they could, wherever they could,” said Kelly.

  The contract also increased the amount of money union members could cash in from unused sick leave. Previously, members could cash in $20 per unused sick day. The new contract calls for reimbursement of $25 per day for the first 100 days, $30 per day for the next 100 days and $35 per day for the final 100 days.

  In other business, Kelly said she would be meeting with local public safety officials on Monday to determine how many guests will be able to attend the Revere High School graduation. “One of the things we want to work on with the safety team is finalizing the number of guests that each graduate can bring,” said Kelly. “Once that is determined, that information will be shared with everybody.”

  Graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at Harry Della Russo Stadium. The rain date is Thursday, June 9.