Plum food workers reach deal

Plum Borough School District and Plum Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ reached a new four-year agreement as their current agreement, a three-year contract signed in 2020, was set to expire.

“The union and district teams have worked hard over the last six months to provide a contract that balances competitive wages and fiscal responsibility,” Ryan Manzer, district chief financial officer, said in a press release. “It was evident through our discussions that our food service staff is extremely dedicated to serving our students, and this agreement will continue to support those efforts.”

The contract provides for an increase to the starting wage, $15 an hour, for food service employees, and 25-cent annual raises through the 2026-27 school year. The goal is remain competitive in the marketplace to attract and retain food service employees, according to the district.

Additionally, the contract classifies all bargaining-unit employees as part-time employees, which will provide additional flexibility to create positions that align with the needs of the district and are attractive to current and future food service employees, the district states.

The school district is hiring for food service workers for the upcoming school year and interested people can apply at www.applitrack.com/pbsd/onlineapp.