By Madina Toure
Local 891 School Custodians has reached a $211.1 million agreement for their cleaners and handymen with the city.
The nine-year agreement, which covers the period of Oct. 22, 2007 through Oct. 21, 2016, includes 18 percent in raises and a $1,000 bonus for 32BJ cleaners and handymen, who mainly work in the city’s public schools. The agreement also includes health savings, which will neutralize the cost of the contract.
“The custodial workers in the public schools have worked far too long without an increase,” said Robert J. Troeller, president and business manager of the Local 891 International Union of Operating Engineers. “Due to numerous budget cuts, these workers have become increasingly productive. It’s good to see these men and women recognized and rewarded for their work.”
The agreement keeps existing benefits for roughly 5,000 full-time equivalent school cleaners and handymen who serve more than 1 million children in the city’s public schools. The gross cost of the agreement will be balanced out by roughly $21 million in guaranteed health savings — a net cost of $190.2 million.
“By conforming with the established pattern, including guaranteed health savings, this agreement is affordable for the city and its taxpayers, while still providing workers with the fair wages they deserve,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The 18 percent in raises that employees will receive includes 8 percent in restructured payments for the 2008-2010 round of bargaining, which will be given out in lump sum payments through 2020. This replaces the raises granted to the rest of the municipal workforce by the previous administration.
Employees will also receive approximately 10 percent in raises through 2016 for the 2010-2017 round of bargaining.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtoure@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.
