By MIKE LEE

Local 95 Wins New Contract

District Council 37 reached a tentative agreement with the Head Start Sponsoring Board and the City of New York on behalf of Head Start workers in Local 95.

The new contract includes a minimum of 16.21% in cost-of-living (COLA) increases retroactive to Feb. 1, 2022, a ratification bonus, improved education opportunities, and health care. To address worker recruitment and retention, the union won an annual recurring equity fund of $1.4 million and a minimum wage of $18 an hour.

“We applaud this agreement, and it is about time employers give the necessary wages and benefits to those workers who have provided services and care for the most vulnerable in our communities,” said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido. “These workers are always there for those in need, and we are happy to see their employers have recognized their value.”

DC 37 in Talks with Private Agencies on City’s Human Services Agreement

In March, the union secured a significant agreement on behalf of 80,000 human services workers in New York City, including 10,000 represented by locals in the DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Division.

Under the terms of the agreement, after negotiations with private non-profit agencies, active DC 37 members potentially qualify for 16.21% compounded wage increases retroactive to Feb. 1, 2022. The agreement also includes an $18-an-hour minimum wage and a ratification bonus.

This deal makes these agencies better positioned to recruit and retain experienced human services workers to help service at-risk communities.

The union is reaching out to more than 30 private agencies to renegotiate contracts to reflect the March agreement.

“This agreement opens the door to negotiations with agencies representing DC 37 members receiving human services funding from the City. This allows us to achieve a deal that closely tracks the citywide contract the union negotiated last year,” said Daniel Katz, Director of DC 37’s Research and Negotiations Department. “This is a huge step on the long road toward justice for these workers.”

“This agreement opens the door to negotiations with agencies representing DC 37 members receiving human services funding from the City. This allows us to achieve a deal that closely tracks the citywide contract the union negotiated last year,” said Daniel Katz, Director of DC 37’s Research and Negotiations Department. “This is a huge step on the long road toward justice for these workers.”