The weeklong strike ended January 10 after a tentative agreement was reached between the negotiating committee, representing 80 secretaries and teachers aides of the Penn-Delco Educational Support Personnel Association, and the school district.

The contract proposal would give some sick days and holiday pay to part-time employees. However, the board refused to negotiate health benefits for these workers. Wage increases would range from 13 to 28 percent over the four-year contract, depending on job classification and years of service.

"The newspapers have given inaccurate figures on what we've asked for concerning wages," explained McLaughlin. "They said we were demanding a 42 percent increase, but this figure included all benefits along with the salary. We just wanted our salary to be in line with what others are making in our field."

Workers have not received a raise since July 1, 1997. Starting pay for support staff is $6.50 an hour, reduced from $7.15 an hour in 1997. For full-time secretaries the starting wage is $8.70 an hour.

If the contract is accepted, instead of retroactive pay workers will receive a signing bonus of between 1 and 3 percent of their annual income. "This doesn't mean much in reality," said McLaughlin. "For someone who makes $7,000 a year, that's $70 and after taxes —barely a day's pay."

Rebecca Arenson is a member of the International Association of Machinists.  
 
 
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