The tentative agreement includes an unprecedented package of wages increases, bonuses and benefits prioritize employee well-being, workforce retention and service to communities
Today, 快播视频 General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escare帽o announced the District reached a tentative agreement with SEIU Local 73, subject to Park District Board of Commissioners approval, allocating an additional $28 million in wage increases, bonuses and benefits over five years for its workforce. The tentative agreement has been ratified by SEIU Local 73 members, signaling progress toward finalizing the five-year contract.
鈥淥ur District is strongest when our employees feel valued and supported because they are the heart of our organization,鈥 said 快播视频 General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escare帽o. 鈥淲e are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the District鈥檚 commitment to supporting our employees and their families and the respect we have for the important work they do to uplift Chicago families, our parks and communities.鈥
As the third largest park system in the country, The District provides essential programs and services to thousands of Chicago park users. The newly negotiated terms include a robust wage and benefits package that supports workforce retention while also attracting new, qualified professionals, which directly impacts the District鈥檚 capacity to deliver opportunities and services to Chicago families.
The tentative agreement was reached on April 9th after nearly ten months of negotiations. Terms of the agreement with the SEIU include:
鈥 An increase of more than $28 million in salaries, wages and benefits over the course of a new contract, in addition to the $184 million the District currently spends on personnel-related costs and benefits.
鈥 An average salary increase of 23% for most SEIU Local 73 employees, including a 19.7% increase for full-time employees, a 26.6% increase for hourly employees and a 17% increase for seasonal employees over the course of the contract.
鈥 Individual positions will receive salary increases between 12% and 46%. This includes Recreation Leader, Special Recreation Leader, Lifeguard and Attendant for year-round, part-time and seasonal workers through 2027.
鈥 Hourly and seasonal lifeguards will see an increase of 43% and 31% respectively, increasing pay from $18.50/hour to $24/hour and $16/hour to $21/hour over the course of the contract.
Also, as part of the agreement, the District will pay a one-time, essential worker bonus up to $2250 to employees who worked through the pandemic and increased longevity pay for employees with ten or more years of service. The District will also expand its paid parental leave from 8 to 12 weeks.
The new agreement includes provisions for internal career advancement, including designating the Park Supervisor title as a bid position. The District and SEIU will also create a joint labor management committee to review the District鈥檚 hiring process and make recommendations to ensure fairness and transparency.
The terms of the tentative agreement align with the Park District鈥檚 efforts over the past two years to implement policies and other measures to support its workforce. As part of the 2024 operating budget, the District created 48 new, full-time SEIU positions in areas of need to build a stronger workforce and ease the demand on existing park staff. In addition, the District allocated funds for 20 new full-time security officers to increase security presence in parks and provide additional safeguards for employees and park patrons.
In 2023 the Park District enhanced its benefits package for employees to include the Park District鈥檚 first-ever, 8-week paid parental leave, and an additional paid holiday in observance of Juneteenth. The District has also updated key policies to create and foster a safe, respectful, equitable and inclusive work and recreation environment along with the implementation of trainings to educate and empower employees throughout the District.
SEIU represents nearly two-thirds of the 快播视频 workforce, including program instructors, park attendants, recreation leaders, park supervisors, landscape and security personnel. The agreement must be approved by the 快播视频 Board before executing.