UE Local 799 has negotiated a new two-year agreement with the Delaware City Schools, with an across-the-board wage increase of 2.5 percent each year and additional raises based on years of service.

For all classifications, two additional step-raises are added to the schedule of seniority wage rates. Bus drivers, assistant head cooks, head cooks, and cooks/cashiers will get an additional wage increase in their 15th and 18th years on the job. Custodians, head custodians, assistant head custodians, and dispatchers will receive an additional wage increase in years 18 and 21. Maintenance and mechanics will also gain two additional raises; the years in which they receive them vary based on the worker’s classification and level.

All members will all receive annual lump sum payments of $300 following completion of their twenty-first year of service. Bus drivers get an increase in trip pay each year of the contract. Life insurance was increase from $25,000 to $30,000. Cafeteria workers will be provided more uniforms. They’ll receive five sets the first year, three sets each year thereafter, and additional uniforms as needed. The local also achieved improvements in personal days – up to four each year depending on the employee’s attendance.

Achieving a major priority for the school district’s bus drivers, the union regained the right of drivers to bid on the components and add-ons to routes when new routes become available. This was how route bidding occurred until a few years ago, when the administration unilaterally changed the procedure. “We essentially got back what we had,” says Local President Nina Williams. She said these negotiations went very smoothly and that the vast majority of member are very pleased with the outcome.”People are very happy with the longevity pay. I think it’s the best contract we’ve gotten so far.”

Local 799’s bargaining committee consisted of President Nina Williams; Dan Compton, vice president; Amy Runyan, chief steward; Jerry Miller, recording secretary; and Tami Gardner, treasurer. They were assisted by International Representative Dennis Painter.