EDISON, NJ – After months of negotiations, Edison’s dedicated crossing guards have reached a significant victory with a new contract securing a pay raise to $26 per hour. This represents a substantial increase in compensation, recognizing the vital role these individuals play in ensuring the safety of students throughout the Edison community.
The new contract comes after a period of uncertainty last year when Mayor Sam Joshi proposed privatizing the crossing guard service. This proposal met with strong opposition from the community, including parents, teachers, and the guards themselves. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on safety and the loss of the personal connections that many guards have formed with the children they protect.
The decision to abandon privatization plans and focus on reaching a fair agreement with the crossing guards highlights the importance of community voices. The strong advocacy throughout Edison likely played a significant role in influencing the outcome of these negotiations.
Councilman Rich Brescher was the strongest advocate for the crossing guards. When the plan was first announced in May of 2023 Brescher was quick to speak against privatization. “That tells me we’re not managing properly because we should be able to get crossing guards, keep them, and maintain them. When government can’t function within itself and has to subcontract out itself, I think there needs to be a change in government,” Brescher said. “I don’t feel positive about outsourcing. I’m not a big fan of outsourcing our public work that I feel should be done in-house. If we paid the crossing guards a fair wage comparable to surrounding municipalities we would not be in this situation but the Mayor has been trying to privatize them since day one. I’m saying not without a fight.”
“The safety of our students is a non-negotiable priority,” said Edison School Board President Biral Patel. “This new contract ensures that our crossing guards, who are essential to that safety, feel valued and supported.”
The finalized contract represents a testament to the unwavering commitment of the crossing guards and the community’s recognition of their essential role. This outcome sets a positive precedent, potentially influencing the compensation and treatment of crossing guards in other municipalities.
