Two of three employee groups in the Morgan Hill School District
now have a contract with the district, as School Board trustees
voted 6-0 during their Oct. 25 meeting to approve the negotiated
collective bargaining agreement between the district and the
Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Two of three employee groups in the Morgan Hill School District now have a contract with the district, as School Board trustees voted 6-0 during their Oct. 25 meeting to approve the negotiated collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
“I think we’re looking at a group of very dedicated people who through bad times and good times have been here to support the district,” Trustee Shellé Thomas said. “We need to be sure all of us are recognized and valued … I’m very happy with what we are doing here tonight.”
The agreement will be officially signed at the next regular board meeting Nov. 15.
Under the agreement, the district’s classified employees – which include clerks, custodians, bus drivers – will receive a 2 percent salary increase, effective this month.
But what most of the classified workers have been waiting for is the reinstatement of 38 furloughed positions.
“We had great support from the board in the restoration of cuts,” said Kathy Keith, a member of the negotiating team and Martin Murphy Middle staff. “We didn’t expect to get that. It was a real win.”
Furlough hours were restored for 17 positions in business services, educational services, human resources, transportation, facilities and technology. Hours were also restored for grounds, maintenance and warehouse employees, and five middle school employees – two from Martin Murphy and three at Britton – were given back the hour per day that had been a part of the cuts.
Keith said the team and the district were able to agree on a “me, too” clause which gives SEIU members what the teachers union, the Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers (MHFT) receive as well as what the Morgan Hill Educational Leaders Association (MHELA) receives.
“We still have positions that need restoring, but this is a very good start,” Keith said. “There is a very good feeling right now. Morale has improved greatly. There is going to be a much smoother working relationship between the groups now.”
The contract was ratified by the union on Oct. 12.
The cost of the negotiated contract changes is $174,919. The contract covers 219.2 positions.
The third employee group, MHELA, is under contract and in negotiations with the district.
