Square One CEO Issues Statement on End to Union Strike
SPRINGFIELD — Following a labor strike that began on June 2, Square One leadership announced that an agreement has been reached. Early education staff, van drivers, and food service workers will return to work today, June 12.
“On behalf of the Square One leadership team and our board of directors, I am pleased to share that an agreement has been reached with our union membership. We are looking forward to welcoming our team back to their roles and responsibilities,” President and CEO Dawn DiStefano said.
“I am deeply grateful to our team of educators, administrators, and support staff who stepped up to ensure that we could continue to provide care for our children, enabling their parents and caregivers to go to work during this challenging time. The patience and kindness demonstrated by the parents who continued to entrust us with the care of their children during this time was a tremendous source of inspiration.
“Under the terms of the ratified contract, our unionized staff will receive an immediate 9% increase, followed by 3% increases on July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. We also negotiated a higher starting wage, which will help us in recruiting more experienced educators with a background that can best meet the needs of our children.
“We will continue to encourage our staff to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement, financial incentives for increasing credential attainment, and flexible hours to pursue their higher education. We know this will greatly benefit them individually and will be an asset for our children as their early education and care needs continue to evolve.
“As I have said throughout the negotiating process, I have the utmost respect for the work that our teachers, drivers, and food service providers do each and every day,” DiStefano concluded. “They are beloved by our children and families and cherished by myself, my fellow leaders, board of directors, staff, and volunteers. I am pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that benefits our team while protecting Square One’s financial stability.”