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According to salaries posted on the district's website, most clerical employees earn $26.34 per hour for the 2023-24 school year. New hires earn $2 less initially, starting at $24.34, which gradually rises to $25.34 in the second year.
Despite being labelled "appreciative" of the work performed by secretarial and clerical employees, Silva has stressed that the district must focus on long-term sustainability. “We value and appreciate the work that they do,” Silva stated. "But we need to be realistic about our financial capabilities moving forward."
In the days leading up to the resolution, union members expressed their frustrations with the pay structure, where the leadership’s compensation seemed disproportionate to the wages of dedicated support staff. One employee highlighted that their critical roles often go unrecognized within the larger framework of the school administration.
After the lengthy negotiations extended beyond the expected timeframe, attendees were seen enjoying pizza as they concluded discussions late into the evening. The meeting that led to the tentative agreement was described as open but challenging, with both sides showing a willingness to address concerns.
In the current climate of labor negotiations across the country, BASD finds itself emblematic of a growing trend among school districts and support staff. As employees demand better pay and working conditions, this situation highlights the delicate balance educational institutions must maintain between their budgetary capabilities and the needs of their staff.
For those interested in following developments within the BASD and similar labor negotiations, checking local news outlets or Teamsters Local 773 may provide ongoing updates.
As this story unfolds further, it grasps attention not only for its immediate implications on the employees involved but also for its reflection on labor dynamics facing public schools nationwide.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After extensive negotiations that stretched late into the night, employees of the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) have decided to cross the picket line and return to work on Thursday. Approximately 80 secretarial and clerical staff members had been on strike for three days, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
Teamsters Local 773 President Dennis Hower confirmed that a "tentative agreement" had been reached, although he declined to disclose specific terms at this time. Hower described the agreement as "significant," emphasizing that it would satisfy the workers. “We’re content,” he said.
The strike had been a contentious issue, arising from major disparities in pay between administrative staff and support employees. Hower noted that during the last contract, secretarial and clerical staff received a mere 2.5% pay increase, while some administrators enjoyed raises as high as 17%, based on salaries exceeding $150,000.
"That’s 17% on salaries that are over $150,000," Hower asserted. The union had requested a 14% increase, which they argued was a modest demand compared to administrative raises. The district, however, budged only to a 4% increase, citing budgetary constraints.
"The pie is only so big," BASD Superintendent Jack Silva acknowledged during negotiations. "The school district has budgeted for 4%, pretty much for a typical collective bargaining agreement." Silva emphasized the importance of maintaining budget flexibility to meet the broader educational needs of the district.
