Benefit updates and increased staffing flexibility support a strong workforce

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is announcing a new union agreement that will raise pay and modernize benefits for Somerville School Custodians, represented by SEIU, Chapter 3 (NCFO 32BJ). The newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) covers Fiscal Years 2026 through 2028 and was ratified by the union and Mayor Wilson in June. It became effective following the Somerville City Council’s appropriation of funds for the agreement at their July 9 meeting.

“Day in and day out, our school custodians keep our school buildings healthy, safe, and functioning so our educators and students can focus on what they are there to do: teach and learn,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “I’m grateful to SEIU Chapter 3 and our City team for negotiating the strong, fair contract that our custodians and families deserve, and to the City Council for their support.”

Key provisions include:
Wage adjustments in FY26 to achieve pay equity with City building custodians, followed by 2% cost of living adjustments for FY27 and FY28.
Accelerated accrual rates for vacation time.
Increased staffing flexibility to better support Somerville Public Schools operations, achieved through additional floater positions and the creation of new shifts to bridge the end of the school day and afterschool period.

“Custodians keep our school buildings clean, safe, and running. This contract gives them the fair wages, benefits, and worker protections they deserve,” said Councilor-At-Large, and Chair of the School Buildings Facilities and Maintenance Committee, Jon Link. “Crucially, it also gives the city the staffing flexibility to put people where they’re needed most, when they’re needed most, which is exactly what parents and schools have been asking for. Good union contracts are proof that when workers win, we all do.”