PG Schools, Four Unions Agree on Contracts

Prince George’s County Public Schools begins the new fiscal year with successfully negotiated agreements with all four unions representing all employees in the school system, according to a news release.

The newly ratified union contracts represent a major collaborative effort between PGCPS and the unions: the Association of Supervisory and Administrative School Personnel, the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association, the Association of Classified Employees-AFSCME Local 2250, and Service Employees International Union Local 400.

"We were able to complete the negotiation process early because of our joint commitment to offering employees fair and competitive wages and working conditions," said Dr. Segun C. Eubanks, Board of Education Chair. "In addition, these new contracts will have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff."

Two of the contracts – those for ASASP and PGCEA – have been ratified for a two-year term.

The contracts for school administrators and central office staff in ASASP Units II and III include a 2% COLA and step increase for FY 2015, as well as improvements to salary tables and stipends for national certification. Salary improvements for FY 2016 include provisions to provide an additional step increase for both units if funding is available.

The PGCEA contract for teachers includes a 1.5% COLA in FY 2015, a step increase, improvements to the salary table as well as other negotiated stipends. Additionally, if funding is available, FY 2016 improvements provide a 1% COLA and an additional step.

ACE-AFSCME Local 2250 employees will see a 2% COLA this month, step increases in 2015, expansion of lanes on all pay scales and reimbursement for tools and uniforms. Additionally, nurses in Local 2250 with four-year degrees will receive a two grade advancement.

SEIU Local 400 staff will receive an overall 3% COLA in FY 2015, as well as a step increase and top of the scale lane expansion.

“Attracting and retaining highly-qualified staff is critical to our success,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer for PGCPS. “Having these contracts in place as we move forward is key to this effort, and helps ensure that we can offer a competitive salary and benefits package that attracts talented employees to Prince George’s County.”