CLAY COUNTY — Most of us will enjoy a day off of work on Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day. This day recognizes the contributions and achievements that labor unions have made in the United States.

The Clay County Education Association (CCEA), the labor union representing public school teachers employed at Clay County District Schools, will aptly celebrate Labor Day next week, following the conclusion of months of labor negotiations with the school district.

The CCEA tentatively won a historic collective bargaining agreement with CCDS on Monday, Aug. 26. If both parties approve in September, the new contract would raise teachers' pay by $4 million across the school district. 

CCEA said this would help remedy a statewide problem. According to a report published in April by the National Education Association, which CCEA is affiliated with, public school teachers employed in Florida are paid less than in any other state besides West Virginia. 

According to the District, the starting salary for a first-year public school teacher is $48,250, and the average is $49,379. 

In Florida, the average salary for an educator is  $53,098.

The teacher's union's win follows other labor gains in Orange Park labor gains in Orange Park earlier this year. 

The Fraternal Order of Police representing the Orange Park Police Department acquired $184,704 in additional wages and $55,411 in benefits. The International Association of Firefighters representing the Orange Park Fire Department got $79,306 in additional wages and $23,792 in benefits.

The school district appeared satisfied as well. Superintendent David Broskie said he heard the news from a text he received Monday night at 11:45 p.m. 

“This is the highest compensation package in the District’s history,” Broskie said during the school board workshop meeting on Aug. 27. 

“We’re in the people business, and people really make Clay County schools. We should always strive to honor the work of our employees,” he added.

School Board candidate Jim Hughes, endorsed by CCEA, offered praise. 

"Congratulations to both CCEA and CCSD for reaching an agreement. Thank you for your hard work," Hughes said.