April 17, 2014
The Newspaper Guild of New York
English teachers at Kaplan International Centers, represented by the Newspaper Guild of New York, yesterday voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contract, one that would provide raises and workplace protections. In doing so, they joined a small handful of teachers in the world of for-profit education to have union contracts.
In June 2012, Kaplan teachers, who teach English as a second language (ESL) at three Manhattan facilities, voted overwhelmingly for Guild representation in hopes of ending unfair terminations and winning basic benefits for the largely part-time workforce. In November 2012, they went to the bargaining table seeking a fair first contract. On April 14, 2014, the Guild announced that it had tentatively reached a contract with Kaplan management.
“By banding together to form a union and taking bold steps to fight for a first contract that provides basic workplace protections, these teachers, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s, are an inspiration to their generation,” said Guild President Bill O’Meara. “These are educated workers who knew they deserved more than they were getting and knew they needed a union to get it.”
The contract will give all Kaplan teachers a wage increase, access to a matching 401(k) plan and job security protections. It also would make some part-time teachers eligible for benefits for the first time.
The contract will give all Kaplan teachers a wage increase, access to a matching 401(k) plan and job security protections. It also would make some part-time teachers eligible for benefits for the first time.
“I am proud that my colleagues voted to ratify this contract, and for their actions over the past two years demanding that Kaplan provide basic fairness to teachers,” said Emily Lessem, a teacher who chairs the Guild unit at the school. “While this contract is far from perfect, it will provide job protections and benefits and have a powerful impact on Kaplan teachers in New York City and across the country.”
Kaplan, a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Co. [NYSE: GHC], offers ESL classes in several other cities in the United States and around the world, in addition to its other educational branches.
The two-year contract will provide:
· An increase in the rate for class prep time to $12 an hour from $8 an hour
· A company-paid subsidy of $20.33 per pay period toward the cost of health insurance
· A 401(k) matching contribution of 1 percent for part-time employees
· A 401(k) matching contribution of 2 percent for full-time employees, with an increase to a match of 3 percent after five years of service
· Creation of a new position, senior part-time teacher, which will get paid holidays, vacations and personal days. If the contract is ratified, 15 current part-timers, out of a workforce of more than 60, will be promoted into the senior category, while the seven current full-time teachers in New York already receive paid holidays and vacations.
· Paid bereavement leave for all employees
· A minimum hourly rate for all employees
· Protections from subcontracting of work
· A clear discipline process
The contract, which takes effect immediately, will expire in two years.
About the Newspaper Guild of New York
The Guild, Local 31003 of the Communications Workers of America, represents more than 2800 journalists and other employees, mostly at New York area-based news organizations, including The New York Times, Thomson Reuters and Time Inc. It was launched in 1934 by a group of journalists that included crusading columnist Heywood Broun.
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