JMCSS Workers Meet with Dr. Ruffin on Job Changes
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JACKSON, Tenn.- A packed house of concerned Jackson-Madison County School System employees had a chance to voice their questions and frustrations face-to-face with Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin Thursday. Several of the custodial staff said they were worried, because outsourcing their jobs to a new company, GCA Services, might hurt the employees and their families. “A lot of people have been here for years and they have a lot of time in the school system,” a worker who has been with the school for 22 years said. Ruffin announced her plan to negotiate a contract with the company at this month’s school board meeting. Many staff members said the change will mean a change in pay. “They’re dropping it kinda low. I was making 10 something and now I will around $8.12, so that’s low,” the employee said. “I can’t negotiate what another company pays its employees,” Ruffin said. She also told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News she understood their concerns. “This is very real for people and I can understand the frustration because of the unknown.” HR representatives were also available to meet with employees privately to talk about retirement plans and options they had. No one from GCA was present at the meeting. Dr. Ruffin said custodial staff would have a chance to meet GCA officials after she finalized a contract with the company. GCA has said they plan on hiring every current custodial and grounds worker if they pass a background check.
