RISD custodians, groundskeepers and movers belonging to the Teamsters local 251 union have unanimously approved their first contract with the school, according to union representatives from the Teamsters.
Among the highlights from the six-year contract is a minimum wage raise from $13.95 per hour to $20.20 per hour.
The vote on the contract comes a day after the group’s bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement with the school – ending two weeks of visible and audible striking in front of RISD administrative offices.
Many of the workers have been employed at RISD for more than a decade, and, adjusted for inflation, some were making less money than when they started.
The school confirmed the agreement in an emailed statement, saying “The contract reflects and advances RISD’s commitment to social equity and inclusion.”
The contract also includes an extra 1% guaranteed raise for workers who have been with the school for over 20 years. All workers will receive a guaranteed 14% raise over the life of the contract.
44 of the 62 workers showed up to the vote.
A partial raise will be enacted immediately, and the full raise will go into effect in July. The groups will also be compensated back pay dating to Oct. 8, 2022.
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