Goodrich – After three years of negotiating with Goodrich schools, the custodial, maintenance and transportation departments ratified a new contract on Jan. 28 at the district’s regularly scheduled board meeting.
The previous contract expired on June 30, 2005.
‘I am just glad it’s all over,? said Betty Butterworth, bus driver and CMT unit president. ‘It’s been three long years.?
Butterworth said her bargaining team has stood with her throughout the three years of negotiations with the district.
Changing their union to the MEA, (Michigan Education Association), along with Larry Allen being the new interim superintendent, Butterworth said helped to get the contract ratified successfully.
‘When Kim Hart left, we brought Larry up to speed and it seemed like in no time, our contract was settled.?
Schools Business Manager Linda DeCamp said the new contract will give employees wage increases comparable to what other groups in the district are getting: a 1 percent wage increase for 2005-06 and 2 percent wage increases for years 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. Employees will be paid retroactively for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.