The new three-year agreement for paraeducators in the Windsor Locks public schools brings 7 percent in wage increases and maintains the existing health insurance with little increase in cost to members. The paras are members of Sub-local 4 of statewide UE Local 222, and they approved the new contract unanimously.
Before negotiations started, the union bargaining committee conducted a survey of members to learn what issues needed to be addressed. The survey results showed that members had four priorities. They wanted to keep their medical insurance plan without cost increases; to add a dental insurance “rider” to the insurance to cover caps and crowns; a reasonable wage increase; and progress on addressing concerns for their professional development as paraeducators.
The board of education’s priority, as the UE committee soon learned, was to eliminate the separate classifications covered under the old agreement (special education paraprofessionals, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten aides, and reading assistants), replacing the specific job titles with the general classification “para-educator.” The board argued that the job duties are very similar in nature, require the same levels of education, training and experience, and are paid under the same wage schedule. This issue was discussed at length, and after reviewing the seniority list to be sure senior workers would not be put at a disadvantage, the union agreed to this change.
The employer was willing to keep the current health insurance, but wanted to increase the employee premium share contribution by 1 percent each year of the agreement, which is the standard increase in Connecticut public sector contract bargaining and in interest arbitration rulings on disputed contracts. The board also wanted to dramatically increase co-pays for medical services.
The union committee responded by presenting spreadsheets which showed that the 1 percent premium share increase together with big increases in co-pays would eat up workers’ wage increase. The UE committee’s hard work on the healthcare issue finally paid off. The board of education agreed to no increase in workers’ premium contributions or co-pays in the first year of the contract. In the second and third years, the premium share will increase by 1 percent, with minimal increases in co-pays each year. The union also gained dental coverage for caps and crowns.
The wage increases agreed upon are 3 percent the first year, 2 percent the second year and 2 percent the third year.
On professional development, the employer agreed to add contract language in the contract that provides for a “Professional Development Committee” including one paraeducator from each of the four schools and the special education director. The committee will be assigned to develop a professional development schedule and pertinent topics to be covered. An additional full day of development was also added to the contract.
The UE committee raised the concern that some members were being forced to use their own personal vehicles to transport students. The board agreed that this should not be happening, and language was added to prohibit this from occurring in the future.
The union also gained improvements in seniority language; a $5,000 increase in life insurance coverage to $30,000 (formerly $25,000); a $2 hourly stipend when paraeducators work outside their schools providing “life skills” assistance; and each member to receive a free copy of her personnel file once a year.
The UE bargaining committee consisted of Co-Presidents Tracey Rand and Karen Walker, Jo-Anne Bornas, Kathy Bloom, Missy Pascarelli, and Jean Walsh. They were assisted by Field Organizer Colleen Ezzo.