By a vote of 90-6, custodians, craftsmen and outside ground crews in the Brockton township public school system have voted to ratify their first-ever collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass. This continues the tradition of strong contracts and benefits that has been a hallmark of Local 653’s representation of its members.

“I am so proud to be part of the Teamsters Union,” said Dan Spillane, a custodian for the past nine years. “Since we voted for Teamster representation last December, we concentrated on getting our first contract. Now we have a seniority system for job positions and better wages. We never would have gotten this contract if not for the Teamsters.”

Spillane is one of 125 employees in the unit which maintains Brockton township schools. Prior to being represented by the Teamsters, the workers had been represented by a company-led association.

“We are able to bring professional representation to these public school workers,” said Brian McElhinney, President of Teamsters Local 653. “The contract for this unit includes wage increases in each of the three years of the contract’s term, new work rules, and an effective seniority system. Members who have strong representation are our union’s best advocates.”

The custodians, ground crews and craftsmen joined the First Student bus drivers in Brockton who also belong to Local 653.

“The representatives at Local 653 were very professional and were able to win major gains for us. It’s terrific to have real representation on the job,” Spillane said.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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