Custodians to Return to Work

Custodians to Return to Work

By Joe DiNicola, President, SEIU Local 503, OPEU

Aug 16, 2007 - A federal judge approved a $14.5 million class action settlement last month between Portland Public Schools and its custodians that sent SEIU Local 503, OPEU Custodians back to work.

Here is the Portland Public Schools Press Release.

July 24, 2007 PPS Custodial Settlement Finalized NEWS RELEASE Portland, Ore. A federal judge approved a $14.5 million class action settlement today between Portland Public Schools and its custodians arising from the 2002 decision by PPS to contract out custodial services. Notices were sent out to 280 custodians who lost their jobs. Individual custodians had the right to opt out of the settlement class, although none did. In return for funding the settlement, PPS received from members of the settlement class a release of claims related to the loss of their jobs in 2002. The settlement provides 280 custodians compensation for the loss of their jobs and also covers their attorneys' fees and the costs of administering the settlement fund. Attorneys for both sides believe the agreement is a fair compromise for this long-running dispute. The school board has agreed to borrow the money necessary to cover the cost of the settlement, spreading its impact over several years.

July 24, 2007

PPS Custodial Settlement Finalized

NEWS RELEASE

Portland, Ore. A federal judge approved a $14.5 million class action settlement today between Portland Public Schools and its custodians arising from the 2002 decision by PPS to contract out custodial services.

Notices were sent out to 280 custodians who lost their jobs.

Individual custodians had the right to opt out of the settlement class, although none did. In return for funding the settlement, PPS received from members of the settlement class a release of claims related to the loss of their jobs in 2002.

The settlement provides 280 custodians compensation for the loss of their jobs and also covers their attorneys' fees and the costs of administering the settlement fund. Attorneys for both sides believe the agreement is a fair compromise for this long-running dispute. The school board has agreed to borrow the money necessary to cover the cost of the settlement, spreading its impact over several years.