United Teachers of Dade Ratify New Contract with Significant Pay Raise
TL/DR –
The United Teachers of Dade (UTD) have ratified a new contract with 82.88% of members voting in favor. The agreement includes an average salary increase of 4.5%, exceeding the 2.49% approved by the Florida Legislature, and the maintenance of current healthcare premiums and benefits with no added costs for employees. Other highlights include potential workforce housing opportunities, improvements to travel reimbursement, financial incentives for the district’s wellness program, and provisions for a task force focused on student workforce readiness programs.
United Teachers of Dade Approve Contract Ensuring Pay Raise and Healthcare Protections
The United Teachers of Dade (UTD) union ratified a new contract in an overwhelming 82.88% vote on Thursday night. This contract brings key benefits to educators, including pay raises and healthcare cost protections, marking a significant victory for Miami-Dade teachers and school staff.
Highlights of the New Contract
Here are some key highlights of the new contract:
• Average 4.5% Pay Increase: The average salary increase of 4.5% is retroactive to August 5. This raise surpasses the 2.49% increase approved by the Florida Legislature and combats the rising cost of living.
• Healthcare Cost Protections: UTD successfully negotiated to maintain current healthcare premiums and benefits with no additional costs for employees. The district has agreed to absorb over $30 million in healthcare cost increases.
Additional Contract Enhancements
Other contract improvements include:
• Workforce Housing Opportunities: The contract includes exploration of workforce housing options to help educators afford housing near their schools.
• ESE Center School Supplements: Adjustments will be made to supplements for teachers at Exceptional Student Education (ESE) centers.
• Incentives for Wellness Program: New incentives will help support the district’s Benefit Wellness Program.
• Career and Technical Education Task Force: A task force will be established to better workforce readiness programs for students.
• Improved Travel Reimbursement: Reimbursement rates for work-related travel have been increased to cover both in-county and out-of-county travel expenses.
UTD Praises the Agreement
UTD President Karla Hernandez-Mats hailed the agreement as a significant advance for Miami-Dade’s educators. “This contract reflects our collective strength and commitment to advocating for our educators, students, and community,” Hernandez-Mats said. “We are proud of the tangible improvements this agreement brings, including substantial pay raises, protected healthcare benefits, and additional resources to improve the work environment for all UTD members.”
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