Downers Grove District 99 Workers Secure Big Gains in First Contract 

The Custodians, Maintenance, and Grounds workers of Downers Grove District 99 have secured some big gains in their first union contract especially in wages. Year one will see a 6-11.3% raise, Year two includes a wage increase based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) and $200, and Year three includes a CPI wage increase and a cost saving bonus payout of up to $60,000 for the entire unit. Workers will also receive a guaranteed uniform allotment every year including shoes and other wearables as needed.

Perhaps the biggest gain in the first contract is a guarantee of no outsourcing for the duration of the contract.

“This past year the long-standing threat of outsourcing became a reality when a company called SSC were very close to making this real for our CMG (Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds) Department. We were all shocked and saddened that outsourcing the department finally had become real. Many of us have been employees at the district for several years. I have been there for 15 years and others 20-30 plus years. When we got the news about being outsourced, with a strong support from teachers and staff, a large group of CMG personnel from the three schools decided it was time to Unionize. SEIU Local 73 has lifted a great weight off our shoulders, being a union will make us stronger and better than ever for future CSD99 CMG employees,” said Steve Elmer, Custodian.

“I never though highly of unions before, but after going through our first bargaining contract with our union representative Shea Marshall, it has changed my mind about unions,” said Jesse Eliasson, Maintenance.