Boston Council Committee Advances $3.2 Million in BPS Union Contract Funding

BOSTON -- February 13, 2023, Boston City Council committee advances $3.2 million in Boston Public Schools union contract funding. The Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology, chaired by Councilor Liz Breadon, cleared eight dockets covering collective bargaining agreements for bus monitors, custodians, the Administrative Guild SEIU Local 888, and safety service specialists, with a full council vote expected Wednesday. The funds will reduce the city's collective bargaining reserve, which stood at $75.4 million when the FY23 budget passed and has since been drawn down to roughly $39.4 million, by $3.2 million, leaving a balance of approximately $36.2 million. Councilor Erin J. Murphy pressed BPS officials on whether the wage increases, which total 9.8 percent over four years for most units, are sufficient given the city's cost of living, noting that 457 residency waivers were granted last year for employees who cannot afford to remain in Boston. BPS Director of Labor Relations Jeremiah Hassan said retroactive payments are expected within six to eight weeks of council approval, and that the transition of bus monitors from per-run to hourly pay is targeted for the start of the next school year.