I hope you all enjoyed your summer and welcome back!
Please take note of the following updates:
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Unfortunately, I have just been informed by the District that raises for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement will NOT be in our paycheck this Friday, September 10th.
Retroactive pay was negotiated in the agreement, which means that members who worked from July 1, 2021 will receive their new pay rate back to that date. The retroactive pay will now have to include any hours worked between July 1, 2021 and August 28, 2021.
COVID-19 TESTING
Employees who have been vaccinated should immediately submit the information to the District to avoid mandated testing, which begins next week. The requirements set forth by the District have been reinforced by Governor Hochul's Requirements for the Safe Reopening of Schools.
Members who are not vaccinated will need to test weekly or face being placed on an unpaid leave of absence. We were able to negotiate testing at as many worksites as possible. Information that was recently put out from the District is attached for your convenience.
STAFFING SHORTAGE
BENTE Members interested in promoting to the position of Bus Driver should contact the BENTE Union office (458-8670), as we currently have 23 vacancies. Paid training will be available to obtain a CDL and we are working on negotiating additional incentives.
There are also a number of vacancies in Food Services, Custodial, Security, Clerical, and Plant Maintenance.
Please take a short time to view the following Spectrum news story featuring Alonzo Conley, Jr., Custodian, at the Douglass Campus (Northeast/Northwest): Districts Struggle To Find Staff
Thank you for your service to the District and please let me know if there is anything the Union can do for you throughout the school year.
In Solidarity,
Dan DiClemente, President
BENTE/AFSCME Local 2419
“The Support Staff that Supports Students”
If you have an issue, comment, or question please do not hesitate to e-mail me directly at dan@bentelocal2419.org
BENTE Local 2419