Joliet, IL – Contract negotiations between Joliet Township High School District 204 and the Joliet Township Paraprofessional Council, AFT Local 604, remain ongoing as both sides work to finalize a new three-year agreement. The union represents 110 paraprofessionals and security staff across the district.
According to district officials, the previous collective bargaining agreement expired on July 1, 2025, after talks began in early April. Fourteen bargaining sessions have taken place, including two with a federal mediator. Nearly all issues have been resolved, including increases in life and retirement insurance contributions, sick-leave reimbursement, holiday pay, and a new longevity bonus.
The remaining issue is salary. The district has proposed a $1.50 hourly raise for 2025–2026, followed by 3.5% increases in the next two years—totaling roughly 20% in average pay growth. The union’s latest offer seeks a $4 hourly raise, then 3.5% and 3.25% annual increases, amounting to about 31% growth over three years.
District officials said they must balance competitive pay with fiscal responsibility, noting that only $4.3 million of the district’s $18.5 million surplus can be used for paraprofessional compensation.
Both sides say they remain committed to reaching an agreement that supports students, staff, and taxpayers. Updates are posted on the district’s Paraprofessional Negotiations webpage.
