Hinsdale D86, SEIU Announce 5-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement with Buildings and Grounds Staff

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Hinsdale, IL - The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) today announced that they have reached an agreement on a five-year collective bargaining agreement with District 86 Buildings and Grounds (B&G) and Maintenance staff.

“We are so glad that we have been able to reach a deal so quickly,” said Superintendent Dr. Bruce Law. “Coming together on the issues that are so important to our employees and their families provides stability for them, for the District and for our community. Our B&G and Maintenance colleagues take tremendous pride in the work that they do every day to support our students and staff.”

“We appreciate and value all the hard work of the B&G and Maintenance staff,” said Board President Kay Gallo. “Through the cooperative efforts of all involved, we were able to agree to the terms of this first contract with the SEIU in a relatively short amount of time. The contract reflects the importance of our B&G staff on our campuses while keeping us mindful of our financial resources.”

“Our members deserve to be fairly compensated for the important and difficult work they do on behalf of the students and staff of District 86,” said Brenda Woodall, Assistant Division Director for SEIU Local 73. “This deal keeps members on firm economic footing and gives them continued access to healthcare and benefits, which were their key concerns. We feel this deal has achieved our members’ goals, and they look forward to keeping the District facilities running smoothly.”

Under the terms of the deal, SEIU members’ wages will increase by two percent in year one to match the raise other District employees received, remain flat in year two and then increase between one to two percent in years three through five with the final number tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

For insurance benefits, the District and SEIU agreed to a 125 Cafeteria Plan. The 125 Cafeteria Plan marks a change from previous years when the Board contributed a set amount of funds directly to the District’s insurance carrier with employees paying the difference between the Board’s contribution and the actual cost of the premium. Under the 125 Plan, the Board contributes directly to the employees, who can then use those funds to purchase insurance. By providing access to health insurance in this way, whether under the District plan or a spouse’s plan, employees can purchase insurance that meets their families’ needs while the District is able to control its insurance costs.