Duval County Schools Food Service Workers Pass New Contract

Over the weekend, food service workers for the Duval County Public Schools voted unanimously to ratify their new contract with private contractor Chartwells K12. 

“This new collective bargaining agreement is the result of a lot of hard work and support from the community and parents,” said Annette Taylor, a food unit lead and Vice President of AFSCME Local 2941, the union representing the Chartwells employees. “We are excited to enter the holiday season with some security and certainty that we will continue to serve the students and staff so they can continue to focus on learning. And we hope in the future it won’t take blood, sweat and tears to get to this point.”

Highlights of the contract include:

• Starting minimum rates of pay for food service workers going up to $14 in 10/24, $15 in 10/25 and $15.30 in 10/26.
• Starting rate pay increases for various classifications ranging from 2% to 14%.
• Longevity pay for senior employees.
• Stronger workplace protections and contract enforcement. 
• Recognition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday for administrative building and summer employees.

###