SEIU Local 73 Organizes Downers Grove District 99 Custodian, Maintenance, and Grounds Workers 

For too long Custodians, Maintenance, and Grounds workers have gone without a union or a real voice on the job. They have officially been certified as a union by the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board and will begin bargaining their first contract. 

“This year the long-standing threat of outsourcing became a reality when a company called SSC were very close to making this real for our CMG (Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds) Department. We were all shocked and saddened that outsourcing the department finally had become real. Many of us have been employees at the district for several years. I have been there for 15 years and others 20-30 plus years. When we got the news about being outsourced, with a strong support from teachers and staff, a large group of CMG personnel from the three schools decided it was time to Unionize. SEIU Local 73 has lifted a great weight off our shoulders, being a union will make us stronger and better than ever for future CSD99 CMG employees,” said Steve Elmer,  Custodian.

“We welcome the CMG workers into our Union family. Their organizing efforts defeated the outsourcing of their good, public sector jobs. Their determination to organize a Union and fight back against privatization is an inspiration. I am excited for them to recognize their collective power and voice at the table,” said Stacia Scott Kennedy, Executive Vice President.