Chicago Park District Contract Bargaining Begins as Short Staffing Impacts Pools and Programs

“We are hopeful we can quickly reach a fair and equitable contract for the workers who keep Chicago’s parks, pools, and beaches safe and maintained for everyone who enjoy them,” said Executive Vice President Jeffrey Howard. “These essential workers provide a vital service to our communities. They worked throughout the pandemic to keep facilities safe for the public. They deserve to be respected, protected, and paid for their service.”

“While our pools and beaches may be opening on Friday, the Park District still has staffing shortages,” said Adolfo Flores, Natatorium Instructor at 12^th Street Beach. “The modest $600 training bonus for new lifeguards fails to address the long-term wage improvements needed for recruitment and retention. The average hourly pay for lifeguards is just over $16. New York City increased its hourly pay to $21.26 for first and second-year lifeguards with an additional $1,000 bonus. It’s time for the Chicago Park District to respect us, protect us, and pay us.”