October 2, 2014 – Berkeley CA – The Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) and the Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (BCCE) are pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement, subject to ratification by the BCCE and approval by the BUSD Board of Education.
In the area of compensation, all rates and schedules for BCCE bargaining unit members, including the salary schedule, longevity merit pay, professional growth salary awards, and stipends, shall be increased by 2.5% retroactive to July 1, 2013. Each unit member shall also receive a 2.0% increase effective July 1, 2014.
In the area of benefits, effective January 1, 2015, the District contribution to the cost of the health plan selected by the unit member shall be increased by an amount equal to the cost of a .5% salary increase or $60 per month. The new contribution will be $1,073.90 monthly for families, $940.71 for individual plus one, and will remain $880.71 for individuals for all unit members.
Other noteworthy areas covered include the proposed changes to the language in regard to transfers.
According to Superintendent Donald Evans, “We entered into the Fact Finding phase early on Tuesday morning, and everyone worked together non-stop until we were able to reach a tentative agreement at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday. It was a productive process, and I wish to thank the Fact Finding Panel for facilitating our collaboration. I also want to thank the BCCE Negotiations Team, for their continued dedication in representing their members in this process. I’m pleased that we could come to a fair and equitable agreement with BCCE. Our classified employees are valued and appreciated for the hard work that do in the district.”
“This was a very long and difficult negotiation session. I am very proud of the BCCE Negotiations Team and I appreciate the support of our members. The tentative agreement restores parity in wages and health benefits for all unit members. I want to thank the District’s Negotiations Team and their commitment to settle the contract so our members can focus on supporting Berkeley’s students,” said BCCE President Paula Phillips.
Board President Josh Daniels, pleased with the results commented, “I know that we are all working for what is best for our students and our employees. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who negotiated, on both sides of the table, to reach this agreement.”
The Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (BCCE) represents the District’s 590 classified employees. BCCE members perform a variety of duties such as classroom and office technical support, custodial and facilities maintenance, nutrition services, school safety, transportation and other paraprofessional and other school related support services.