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Nutrition staff urge Antioch Unified to raise wages as public commenters press board
Summary
Multiple nutrition service assistants and union representatives told the board they earn less than fast-food starting wages, work multiple jobs and seek a district wage-floor increase; AEA reported ~99% ratification of a tentative agreement to be presented to the board next month.
A stream of district employees told the Antioch Unified Board on Jan. 24 that Nutrition Service Assistant (NSA 1) pay is too low and must rise to retain staff and ensure workers can afford basics.
Kendra Borja, speaking for the AEA bargaining team, thanked the board for bargaining support and said her union's members ratified the tentative agreement with roughly 99% approval; she asked the board to approve the agreement next month so salary changes can be implemented ahead of the next school year.
Several NSAs described long hours, early starts at the central kitchen and work at multiple sites. Sharra Pahahaou and others said NSA 1 starting wages lag area fast-food wages, forcing many to hold second jobs. Multiple speakers noted the physical demands of assembling and serving meals and asked that the district raise the NSA wage floor and approve a previously proposed MOU.
Board and staff responses: President Hernandez acknowledged the comments and encouraged staff and unions to follow negotiated processes. Trustees asked for details on the district's timeline for reviewing classified compensation and noted labor engagement had been ongoing; staff indicated talks with CSEA and AEA and said the district will bring negotiated items forward for board action.
Why it matters: Nutrition staff operate daily in school cafeterias and are essential to meal programs and child nutrition. Low pay can affect recruitment and service continuity. The AEA ratification signals strong union support for the agreement and increased likelihood the board will receive the tentative agreements for approval.
Next steps: The district expects to place the tentative agreement(s) before the board next month for formal approval; staff will continue labour discussions and return required contract documents to the board.
