Persistence pays off. After presenting their case to the school district and the Board of Education, the town’s cafeteria workers will retain their jobs.
The schools superintendent’s office announced Monday that Chartwells food management company was awarded the contract after a competitive bidding process. Whitsons Culinary Group was the only other bidder; that company serves Shelton and has been under fire for its cost-cutting measures.
Chartwells, operating under a state subsidy, had come under fire earlier this year for losing money; the program ran a deficit of $127,443. The district was required to make up $112,443 out of its general fund budget.
According to a press release from the office of the superintendent, Chartwells’ proposal includes “a modest, guaranteed operating surplus,” which will lessen the amount of financial assistant from the district.
The 22 food service workers – some with the district for 30 years – have been vocal about their need to keep their jobs and their devotion to serving Branford’s kids. They have appeared at Board of Education meetings and demonstrated in front of district offices on Main Street earlier this month.
Connie Holt, president of Local 217, which represents the workers, said in a statement, “We are happy that the Board of Education has listened to the workers and residents of Branford by choosing to keep Chartwells … and we appreciate all the support we have received from this community in our fight to keep our jobs. Over the past months, we’ve worked hard and made compromises at the negotiating table to get to a contract settlement with Chartwells that allows us to keep our jobs and meets the operating needs of the district. This decision means that we will be able to continue serving the school children in Branford. This victory shows us, when we stick together and fight, we can win!”
Ian Dunn, who handles communications for Local 217, said a four-year contract between Chartwells and Local 217 was signed on May 3. Now that Chartwells has been selected, the contract with Branford workers will be retroactive by a year from the existing contract. “We met and came up with an agreement to remain competitive,” he said. “The Board of Education listened to the workers.”
“We’re all really happy,” “Lunch Lady” Donna Rispoli said “We were hoping the Board of Education would make the right decision. They did the right thing with the women who have been dedicated workers.”
Chartwells will also provide the food service operation for the district’s summer meals program, which runs from June 25 to Aug. 24.
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I am so delighted to hear that the "lunch ladies" have won. Congratulations for your contract and for showing others how to handle unfair job situations.
I also endorse Connie Holt's comment, which is needed today perhaps more than ever in our country, "This victory shows us, when we stick together and fight, we can win!"
Good job to everyone who supported them.