Philly Public School Food Service Workers and Noon Time Aids in Local 634, where I worked this summer, have ratified a great new contract after a year of negotiations: The members of the Union made the most progress in the area of health care coverage.The school district's contribution to the fund--which provides prescription drug coverage, vision, and dental care--will be increased by almost 100%. This increase will allow the Union’s Health and Welfare Fund to greatly improve the vision coverage for all workers, and improve the drug and dental coverage for the food service workers. This coverage was expand from single coverage only to include family coverage effective July 1st . “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of these negotiations” stated Local 634 Trustee Sam Cook. “Our members and leaders worked very hard to win these improvements and force the school district to recognize the important contribution our members make here,” he concluded after the meeting. “I have worked in these kitchens feeding our children for many years and for the first time I feel like the district has agreed that we deserve a decent wage and benefit package,” added Senior Food Service Worker Emily Pridgen. “Our membership is proud of the work they do in the schools and can now walk into the schools feeling appreciated,” added Angela Cerrone, a noon time aide. Congratulations to everyone involved - may Local 634 go from strength to strength.