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Classified workers press board for living wages, protection from outsourcing and full‑time hours
Summary
Representatives of classified staff and SEIU Local 99 delivered a petition and list of demands to the board, calling for higher wages, protection from outsourcing, increased hours to qualify for benefits and expanded health coverage; SEIU said bargaining has begun and thanked the district for early conversations about a fiscal reserve policy.
Dorian Vance, speaking for classified workers of the district, told the board that bus drivers, paraeducators, health professionals, office staff and maintenance workers remain “overworked and undervalued” and presented a petition demanding immediate action to end what they called “poverty wages.” Vance asked the board to prevent outsourcing of positions, increase hours so workers qualify for benefits (including a minimum of four hours to qualify), and improve healthcare coverage for classified staff.
“Classified workers have been overworked and undervalued, and it is time for you to take action to improve working conditions,” Dorian Vance said. Ryan Emerson of SEIU Local 99 followed, saying bargaining is underway and that the union appreciated district outreach before implementing a fiscal reserve policy. Emerson urged continued collaboration but warned a “tough struggle” ahead as negotiations proceed.
Board members acknowledged the comments and said they looked forward to continued bargaining; the superintendent and staff said they will continue working with union representatives and other stakeholder groups on compensation and staffing issues.
