St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) reached a positive agreement with its Communications Workers of America (CWA) partners on Thursday, August 24, for the 2017 – 2020 Contract which includes compensation and benefits for the 2017 – 2018 school year. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent stated, “We are committed to working together in order to reach an agreement that will benefit our employees. I am thankful to the collaborative efforts of our bargaining teams, and I appreciate the unwavering support of our School Board.” President of Local CWA 3181 Rick Poulette said, “CWA and the District have reached a fair and equitable agreement. We thank the bargaining teams on both sides for working together in the interest of the workers, the District and the children of St. Lucie Public Schools.”
The package includes an average increase of 2.14 percent which represents a commitment by the District to increase compensation beyond the 1.49 percent increase in State funds received this year. Each eligible CWA bargaining unit employee will receive a step increase, each step in the salary schedule will be increased by $149, and a 27th step will also be added to CWA salary schedules providing raises to those currently on the top step.
In addition to the 2.14 percent salary increase, the package also includes the continued Board contribution of $750 to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for employees enrolled in high-deductible H.S.A. eligible plans and a contribution of $6,010 toward insurance premiums.
