An agreement between the Hastings School Board and Service Employees International Union Local 284 was finalized Wednesday night, ending a 50-day strike by more than 30 school district food service workers.

The district approved a memorandum of understanding with the union that brought workers back to kitchens at district schools Thursday. The new contract with the union takes effect July 1. Under the agreement, food service workers will receive a 2.1 percent pay increase and a one-time payment of $800 “with payment being made as soon as the district is able to process the payment following ratification.”

Under the agreement, workers will receive at least six paid holidays. Those hired before July 1, 2008, receive six vacation days. Those hired after that date receive two vacation days per year. Food service employees will be granted nine days of sick leave per year and two days of essential leave.

The district contribution to food service employee footwear will be $150 per year.

The union workers went on strike Feb. 7, following through on a threat made to the district before the Christmas break. Union officials and statewide elected officials showed support. The union picketed near school grounds on many days and held demonstrations.

The district pledged not to deviate from what it termed its “last, best and final offer.” The strike agreement approved by the board stipulates that the workers were not paid for time missed.

The strike agreement states “the union and its officers, agents and members will immediately cease any strike-related activity, including but not limited to picketing, advertising and social media. The union agrees not to disparage the district or individual employees, representatives and board members of the district or engage in anti-district publicity.”

The agreement directs how food service workers can communicate about the holdout. The agreement states, “The union agrees it would not be appropriate for members of the bargaining unit to discuss issues related to the strike or issues related to the negotiations for the 2022-23 collective bargaining agreement with students, parents/guardians or other employees during their duty day. The parties agree members of the bargaining unit may discuss negotiations issues with other employees during scheduled breaks or outside of their duty day, provided that they do not engage in behavior that causes a disruption in the workplace. If asked about the strike, members of the bargaining unit should respond by stating the strike has been resolved and the parties are focused on the future.”

Striking workers returned at their regularly scheduled time March 30 and were reinstated to their pre-strike jobs and scheduled hours without loss of seniority. Between March 30 and April 6, the agreement states that “members of the bargaining unit may work up to five additional hours outside of their regularly scheduled shift for the purpose of ensuring the district’s kitchens are configured to resume normal food service operations.”