Food service workers at Duval County Public Schools are threatening to walk off the job if they don't receive higher pay. The local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) claims that low wages have led to increased employee turnover, which has diminished the quality of food services for students and staff. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since July, and the second extension is set to expire on Thursday.

Cafeteria Staff Seek Fair Compensation to Maintain Quality Meals for DCPS Students

Minimum Wage Insufficient to Retain Experienced Cafeteria Workers

Chartwells K12, the food service provider for DCPS, is currently paying new employees the Florida minimum wage of per hour. However, the AFSCME union is demanding a increase for new hires and a 3% raise for current employees. The union argues that the current wages are not enough to attract and retain skilled food service workers, which has led to high turnover and disruptions in the quality of meals served to students.Elton Brown, the local AFSCME president, expressed the workers' frustration, stating, "We're asking them to go beyond what the state is saying. At least give us something we feel we can taste a little. If you're going to continue this then people are going to do the least." The union's goal is to bring Chartwells K12's wages closer to the per hour mandate for public school employees that was passed in Florida in 2022.

Productive Negotiations Aim to Reach a Fair Agreement

In a statement, a Chartwells K12 representative acknowledged the value of their team members and the company's long history of working productively with AFSCME Local 2941 and other unions. The representative stated, "We deeply value our team members serving students and staff at Duval County Public Schools and have a long history of listening to our employees and working productively with AFSCME Local 2941 and with unions across the country."The negotiations between Chartwells K12 and AFSCME Local 2941 have been ongoing for several months, and both parties have expressed a commitment to reaching a fair agreement. The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, just before the contract expiration. The Chartwells K12 representative expressed optimism, saying, "We continue to negotiate in good faith and our next bargaining session is scheduled for this Wednesday when everyone agreed it was best to get back together."

Potential Strike Looms as Deadline Approaches

If the two parties fail to reach an agreement by Thursday, the union could vote to go on strike. However, the union members have expressed a desire to avoid a strike if possible. Elton Brown, the AFSCME president, stated, "If you're going to continue this then people are going to do the least." This suggests that the workers are willing to take action to secure the pay increases they believe are necessary to maintain the quality of food services for DCPS students and staff.The upcoming negotiations on Wednesday and Thursday will be crucial in determining the outcome of this dispute. Both Chartwells K12 and the AFSCME union have expressed a commitment to reaching a fair agreement, but the threat of a strike looms if a compromise cannot be reached before the contract expiration.