School starts Wednesday in Seattle after district, workers reach tentative deal

School is starting Wednesday after Seattle Public Schools announced a tentative contract agreement Tuesday night with more than 600 custodians, cafeteria workers, gardeners, alarm monitors and security workers.

“SPS appreciates all the hard work of both bargaining teams to reach a tentative agreement,” schools Chief of Staff Bev Redmond wrote in a statement.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302’s contract with the district had expired Aug. 31.

The district made an offer eight days before the contract expired for standard wages set by the state, the statement said. Workers represented by Local 302 are some of the lowest-paid jobs in the district and the union sought more pay.

The union had argued that educators’ and students’ needs wouldn’t be met without the 600 members.

“The culinary workers prepare and serve the students breakfast and lunch,” the statement said. “The custodians create a clean, warm, and welcoming environment in the schools. The gardeners keep the grounds looking
their best. The security and alarm monitors keep the students and staff safe.”

Last year, the Seattle Education Association, the district’s largest union, went on strike, which delayed the start of the school year by a week. Educators were demanding more pay as well as manageable staff-to-student ratios, especially for multilingual learners and students who have individualized education plans and receive special education services.