PORTLAND — The board for the Portland Public Schools has approved a contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503 and the School Employees Union Local 140 for custodians, according to The Oregonian.
Under the agreement, most employees will see a salary freeze for the 2012-13 academic year but could receive up to two increases next year, the story stated.
According to the article, part-time Portland Public Schools custodians make $11.23 an hour, while hourly rates for full-time custodians start at $12.92 before topping out at $22.71.
Proposed raises will include a two percent cost of living increase for part-time custodians and a step increase for full-time custodians during the 2013-14 school year that is contingent on state funding levels, the story noted.
Timothy Carman, a co-chairman for the union and custodian at Grant High School, said, "It was definitely not easy to get to that agreement. It was a difficult ratification vote for us."
Employees will also see a $50 increase for two consecutive years in monthly district contributions to employee health care, the story added.