Citing frozen wages, no opportunity for advancement, lack of equipment and no respect for the work they do protecting Springfield’s children on their way to and from school, Springfield School Crossing Guards union leaders submitted proof of majority support for collective bargaining with the state Department of Labor Relations on January 10 .   There are approximately 125 crossing guards in the proposed union.

The crossing guards held a meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Central Library to discuss their concerns and what they hoped to achieve from a first contract.  Many at the meeting complained that they had not seen an increase in their hourly wages in over 13 years.  Others noted that many school and city workers were provided with a clothing allowance or boots and jackets for outdoor work during the cold winter days and inclement weather. Several crossing guards said they would like the opportunity to move up and apply for supervisory positions.

“The bottom line is we want respect for the work we do,” said Crossing Guard Helen Brown. “I’ve been guarding our school children for 12 years.  I’m a Flyer.  That means I go where they need me.  I’ve worked on every corner of this city and I’ve never received a raise, a vacation day, sick time when I’m ill, or bereavement leave when I lose a family member.  But I’m out there every school day, in the snow, rain and sun making sure our kids are safe.  It’s time for a little respect and that’s what the union is for."

After the crossing guards voted to seek their union certification, a dozen volunteered to serve on the union negotiation and contract action teams. Immediately following the meeting a delegation of crossing guards went to the state DLR offices on Liberty Street and filed paperwork to certify their union with cards signed by over 60% of the workers.