Boston Council Committee Advances $187,373 to Fund Crossing Guard Pay Raises

BOSTON — September 6, 2024 — Boston City Council committee advances crossing guard pay deal covering 205 school traffic supervisor positions. The Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Councilor Brian Worrell, moved two appropriation orders — Docket Nos. 1163 and 1164 — that would shift $187,373 from the city's $96.8 million collective bargaining reserve to the Boston Police Department to fund a four-year contract with the Boston Police School Traffic Supervisors Association Incorporated. City Budget Director Jim Williamson said the transfer leaves approximately $95.8 million in the reserve after four agreements totaling roughly $890,000 this fiscal year. The contract runs through August 2027 and delivers an effective annual increase of about 3.7 percent, with starting salaries rising to $13,460 annually for part-time workers logging 15 hours per week. Labor Relations Director John Wilton reported 52 of 205 positions are currently vacant, a slight year-over-year increase, and said recruitment materials are already prepared pending council approval. The full council was set to vote Wednesday, September 11.