West Aurora Workers Secure Raises for All in New Contract

For the first time in recent memory, Local 73 members in West Aurora School District 129 won the same raises for all members across job classifications and seniority each year of the three-year contract.  In years past, the step increases were very uneven and led to a wide variation in raises depending on the step members happened to be on. In the new contract, all members will get a $1 raise in the first year, then 2.9% in years two and three.  On average, members will receive more than an 11% raise over the three years.

“Non-union workers don’t have the power to bargain over these things especially during this pandemic,” said Local 73 President Dian Palmer. “Our union gives us the strength to win these raises and benefits.”

In addition, members bargained in a provision clarifying the procedure for emergency work and extended the gains won in the last contract, like the new attendance bonus pool.

The contract covers bus drivers, monitors and mechanics and is effective July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.