Akron Public Schools and SEIU Local 1 Reach Collaborative Tentative Agreement for Three Key Bargaining Units

After nearly six months of focused and collaborative negotiations, Akron Public Schools (APS) and SEIU Local 1 are pleased to announce they have reached tentative agreements on new three-year contracts for three vital bargaining units.

The successful negotiations cover the following dedicated employee groups:

• SEIU Local 1, Child Nutrition Services Employees
• SEIU Local 1, Safety Team Employees
• SEIU Local 1, Maintenance, Grounds, Custodial, Warehouse, and Transportation Employees (“MOT”)

This development reflects the unwavering commitment of both SEIU Local 1 and APS to reach a fair and sustainable deal, ensuring long-term stability for the district through June 30, 2028.

"The parties’ ability to respectfully and collaboratively reach tentative agreement in a difficult financial environment is a tremendous win for our entire community," said Superintendent Mary B. Outley. "I appreciate and have a deep respect for the indispensable work performed by our SEIU members every day—work that is fundamental to the safety and well-being of our scholars. Achieving these tentative agreements allows us to keep our full attention on academic excellence, knowing our core support services are secured by a fair and sustainable partnership that prepares our scholars for life after school."

“SEIU Local 1 is proud to have reached tentative agreements for three of the four SEIU Local 1 units represented at Akron Public Schools.The Union appreciates the collaborative and respectful process with the District, allowing both sides to confront the challenges facing public education in Ohio,” said Matt Buser, SEIU Local 1, Northeast Ohio Representative. “The Union looks forward to taking the Maintenance, Grounds, Custodial, Warehouse, and Transportation Agreement to our membership for ratification in the upcoming weeks, as well as beginning productive negotiations for the first contract for the newly organized IT staff at APS.” 

Ratification Timeline

The ratification process is moving forward quickly:

1. SEIU Local 1 Child Nutrition and SEIU Local 1 Safety Employees: These employees have already voted to ratify their tentative agreements. The APS Board of Education is scheduled to review and vote on the proposed terms on Monday, October 6, 2025, during a regularly scheduled board meeting.
2. SEIU Local 1 MOT Employees: This unit will hold its ratification vote on Sunday, October 12, 2025. If ratified by the membership, the APS Board of Education will review the terms of this agreement for ratification on Monday, October 20, 2025.

This positive development ensures that the district's focus can remain squarely on supporting Akron’s students, families, and community through stable and forward-looking agreements. Further details of these agreements will be shared following final ratification by all parties.

Contact:

Stacey Hodoh, Director of Strategic Communications, Akron Public Schools shodoh@apslearns.org

Matthew Buser, SEIU Local 1, Northeast Ohio Representative buserm@seiu1.org