- November 21, 2024
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The Volusia County School Board unanimously approved the ratification of a one-year collective bargaining agreement between the district and the union representing support services employees on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The agreement with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 79, Local 850, also known as AFSCME, includes salary schedule changes and rate increases.
AFSCME treasurer Carol Sawyer thanked district staff for this year's negotiations.
"We had two sides of the table that were working back and forth," Sawyer said. "We were doing it together. We were cordial. There was no fighting."
In addition to new salary schedules, the bargaining agreement also included an annual allowance or reimbursement for shoes for bus operators, attendants, custodians School Way Cafe employees, transportation mechanics and other support services employees. School Way Cafe employees who oversee certain programs will also receive additional compensation per hour, between 50 cents and $1.
I think we're all very excited that we're at this point tonight and we now get to move forward." — School Board Chair Jamie Haynes
Mark West, chief human resources officer for VCS, said the agreement was ratified at a 89% rate.
School Board Chair Jamie Haynes highlighted that by mid-April, the support services employees will receive allowances for their uniforms and shoes, as well as received their retroactive pay.
"I think we're all very excited that we're at this point tonight and we now get to move forward," Haynes said.
On Feb. 6, the district announced it had struck a bargaining agreement with the Volusia United Educators teachers union regarding instructional salaries. VUE President Elizabeth Albert said the agreement will be ratified on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Instructional personnel will be receiving a total package of $11.7 million.
"We do believe that package is a robust package, and we do feel that we met part of our goal of acknowledging the salary compression for mid-career and veteran teachers," Albert said. "Of course, we can always do more, and so we'll look to do that in the coming year. We're eager to do the same thing for support."
