Ottawa Paraprofessionals Score Sizeable Raises in New Contract

Ottawa Township High School District #140 Paraprofessionals have scored sizeable raises in their new four-year contract. Members will see raises of 19-21% and additional steps have been added to ensure senior employees continue getting step increases each year.

“When negotiations started with the board and superintendent, it was a little tense,” said Jarrett Papineau, paraprofessional. “We rallied together as a union to obtain a contract that benefited all our members.”

Paraprofessionals who work an afterschool non-sports event will now receive overtime pay, regardless of whether they have worked 40 hours. Additionally, workers secured an additional sick day and they can leave up to 46 minutes early for appointments with prior approval, twice per year, without using personal or other leave time.