Decatur School District #61 Custodians Secure Big Gains in New Contract

Decatur SD #61 Custodians have ratified their new two-year contract. SEIU Local 73 represents 80 custodians.

The new contract includes a $1/hour raise in year one, retroactive to July 1, and a $0.50 raise in year two. Head custodians will receive a $0.15 raise.

Workers had testified at multiple Board of Education meetings calling on the district to provide the custodians with a living wage in their contract. When the Board appeared to not listen to those pleas, workers delivered their notice of intent to strike on Aug. 27.

“Over the past two contracts the district has never agreed to a one dollar raise in a year. We ratified a good contract,” said Amanda Francis, Chief Steward and Custodian of six years. “I believe the district still under values our work and they could have gone further to demonstrate their support for us.”

“These essential workers kept the schools safe and clean throughout the pandemic. They are a vital part of ensuring the students receive a good education,” said Joseph Richert, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU Local 73.