Knox College Workers Win Big Gains in Pay and Longevity

Knox College members have overwhelmingly approved their new three-year contract, which includes $2.25 in increases over that time, an extra longevity layer at 15 years, which adds 10 cents an hour more for all employees over that mark, and many language improvements for the unit. These language improvements, such as more flexible attendance policy and better overtime procedures for dining, are a testament to the thorough negotiations that went into the contract.

“This was a great contract. I’m really proud of it and the work that went into it. There was a lot of thought.  One of the best increases we have had in a long time,” said Natalie Schwab, steward and bargaining team member.

SEIU Local 73 represents 98 Food and Building Service Workers at the nationally ranked liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois.

“Like all of the higher education workers our union represents, Knox College workers are there every day ensuring the students are fed, and their campus is clean and safe,” said SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer. “The inflation caused by corporate greed has hit everyone from Galesburg to Chicago. Together, we fought for and won wage increases that respect their hard work.”