WU School Board meeting 1-16-24 : Classified Employees Demand Pay Equity and Healthcare Parity

Описание: Beyond the Scenes, Beyond Inequality:
Classified Employees Demand Pay Equity and Healthcare Parity

Good evening, esteemed members of the school board, fellow educators, parents, and distinguished guests. We stand before you today as a representative of the dedicated classified employees who form the backbone of our educational system. The topic we bring before you is of utmost importance and urgency: "Beyond the Scenes, Beyond Inequality: Classified Employees Demand Pay Equity and Healthcare Parity ."

In the intricate tapestry of education, while teachers are the guiding stars in the classroom, it is the classified employees who work diligently behind the scenes, ensuring the seamless operation of our schools. Bus Drivers, Trades Professionals, Custodians, administrative assistants, cafeteria workers, and many more – they are the unsung heroes, deserving acknowledgment and equitable treatment. Tonight, we present a plea for recognition, a call for justice, and an appeal for the fortification of our entire educational foundation.

Pay Equity is not merely a fiscal matter; it is a reflection of the value we place on the diverse roles that contribute to the success of our schools and students. Our administrative staff ensures the efficient management of the educational machinery, custodians create safe and clean environments for our students and teachers, and cafeteria workers nourish young minds. "Beyond the Scenes, Beyond Inequality" demands a recalibration of compensation structures, recognizing and rectifying the often-overlooked wage gaps that persist.

Healthcare parity emerges as a parallel and pressing concern within WU and the surrounding Whittier community. Classified employees, essential contributors to the educational ecosystem, deserve healthcare benefits commensurate with their dedication and service. This is not only an issue of fairness; it's a plea for the well-being of the entire educational workforce. A healthy and supported staff, regardless of their roles, is paramount for sustaining a thriving learning environment.

As we deliberate on budget allocations and policy decisions, let us not forget the integral role played by classified employees. Our contributions extend far beyond the visible spectrum of the classroom, shaping the holistic educational experience for our students. "Beyond the Scenes, Beyond Inequality" is not a mere slogan but a rallying cry for respect, acknowledgment, and equity.

In conclusion, we urge the esteemed members of this board to consider the profound impact of pay equity and healthcare parity for classified employees. By rectifying these disparities, we fortify the very foundation upon which the future of our students is built. Let us strive together to create an educational environment that values every individual, seen or unseen, who dedicates their time and effort to the noble cause of education.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Marianne Marquez
630 CSEA Members