**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Contact: Chelsea Fink, chelsea.fink@seiu1021.org, (510) 435-8282

VACAVILLE, CA -  On Wednesday, February 5, Vacaville Unified School District classified staff, including maintenance workers, nutrition workers, paraprofessionals, student supervision workers, custodians, clerical workers, and bus drivers voted to ratify their new two-year contract, with a nearly unanimous ‘yes’ vote.

Classified workers are encouraged that with this new contract, members will be safer on the job and receive the support they need to strengthen and maintain an environment for students and staff to thrive. Highlights in the contract include a $20 minimum wage, no cuts to healthcare, improved health and safety protections, and a one-time bonus.

“Our bargaining team worked relentlessly to get this new contract that benefits all our classified workers and our students,” said Barbra Hamilton, VUSD chapter president. “Our members came together more than ever, and it shows through our hard-won improved safety protections and wage increases, as well as the removal of a dangerous healthcare reduction.”

After over ten months of negotiations, members, with support from community allies, engaged in numerous actions, including a successful rally in front of the VUSD district office, repeated VUSD School Board meetings, and a packed Strike School.

“When we stand together, our students and staff are better for it,” said Hamilton. “When we fight, we win!”

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SEIU Local 1021 represents nearly 60,000 employees in local governments, nonprofit agencies, health care programs, courts, and schools throughout Northern California, including seven private colleges and numerous community colleges. SEIU Local 1021 is a diverse, member-driven organization with members who work to make our cities, schools, colleges, counties, and special districts safe and healthy places to live and raise our families.