Alpena Public Schools Press Release- APS Reaches agreements with Office Assistants, Food Service and Maintenance Employees
June 30th, 2025
Alpena Public Schools (APS) and United Steelworkers Local 211 and Local 207 are pleased to announce the ratification of new three-year collective bargaining agreements covering Office Assistants, Food Service and Maintenance staff within the district. The contracts, which were approved by union membership prior to June 30, 2025, take effect on July 1, 2025, and will remain in place through June 30, 2028.
These agreements represent a collaborative effort to strengthen compensation, job clarity, and working conditions for APS employees. .
Key Provisions of the Local 211 (Office Assistants, Registrars and Administrative Support) Ratified Agreement Include:
Wages & Compensation
Continuation of the existing $1.00/hour increase from a prior Letter of Agreement.
4% wage increases in both 2025–2026 and 2026–2027.
A wage reopener in 2027–2028 with increases capped at 4%.
An additional $0.25/hour increase to the top four steps of Categories A and B in 2025–2026.
Step 1 removed; Step 2 becomes Steps 1–2 in the new wage schedule.
$400 one-time ratification stipend for all active secretary staff, to be paid in the first July payroll.
Vacation Schedule Updates (effective July 1, 2025):
1–4 years: 10 vacation days
5–10 years: 15 vacation days
After 10 years: pre-2011 scale remains in effect for eligible employees.
Title & Classification Changes
The term "Office Assistant" is replaced with "Secretary" throughout the contract.
Attendance and Restorative Secretaries are now formally recognized as 206-day employees.
Education & Step Advancement
New secretary hires with an Associate’s Degree will begin at Step 3.
Employees who earn an Associate’s after hire will move up two steps from their current placement.
Overtime & Leave Language
Overtime will be paid after 40 hours worked per week.
If additional pupil accounting duties are needed, compensation will be arranged if not eligible for overtime.
New language added for small-staff buildings to address compensation during long-term leaves.
Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) language replaces previous PMLA provisions.
Training & Support
One elementary and one secondary secretary employee will receive a $1,000 annual stipend to assist with onboarding and training in Synergy and APS systems. Selection will be made by management with union input on criteria. The stipend is prorated if responsibilities change mid-year.
Sub Coordination Trial
A three-month trial beginning in fall 2025 will assess time spent on substitute coordination.
Highlights of the Local 207 (Food Service and Maintenance) Agreement Include:
Wage Increases Over Three Years:
Year 1 (2025-2026): 4%
Year 2 (2026-2027): 4%
Year 3 (2027-2028): 2%, with a wage reopener capped at an additional 4%
Ratification Stipend (One-Time Payment):
Employees with 0–4.9 years of service: $150
5–9.9 years of service: $300
10 or more years of service: $450
Benefit Enhancements:
Dental Insurance: Bargaining unit employees will now receive the same dental plan provided to APS administrative and teaching staff.
Sick Leave Payout Upon Retirement:
10% payout after 10 years
15% after 15 years
20% after 20 years
Long-Term Disability (LTD): Plan to be implemented with an annual premium cap of $6,000, providing flexibility in benefit levels and coverage terms.
Operational and Policy Updates:
Snow Day Protocol:
Employees may opt to use vacation, personal, or unpaid time on these days.
Personal/Business Leave:
Requests must be entered into the time-off system prior to the shift with a 24-hour preferred notice.
Employees must provide a reason for the request and communicate with their supervisor during their shift.
Holiday Pay Eligibility:
Employees must work their last scheduled day before and first scheduled day after a holiday to receive pay.
Unpaid absences on either side of the holiday disqualify employees from holiday pay.
Food Service Orders:
Supervisors or staff may place orders in advance when vacation or personal time is taken.
For sick or snow days, staff may receive up to 1 hour of approved paid time to place orders from home.
Premium Pay for Solo Shifts:
In buildings with only two Food Service staff, an employee working a full shift alone due to the absence of a substitute will receive an additional $0.50 per hour.
Earned Sick Time Act Compliance:
Contract language updated to align with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act, replacing outdated provisions.
Statements from Leadership:
Dr. David Rabbideau, Superintendent of Alpena Public Schools, stated:
“These agreements demonstrate our deep appreciation for the vital role our employees play in the success of Alpena Public Schools. We’re proud to move forward with a contract that balances sustainability and fairness.”
Steve Meyer, United Steelworkers Representative, added:
“Our members provide essential services to students every day, and this contract reflects significant progress in recognizing that value. We thank Alpena Public Schools for working with us in a respectful and productive manner.”