1,600 CPS Miscellaneous Workers File to Join SEIU Local 73

SEIU Local 73 announced today that 1,600 Miscellaneous workers in Chicago Public Schools have filed a majority interest petition to join our Union. We currently represent over 13,000 support staff in CPS. 

Miscellaneous workers are some of the lowest paid, part time workers in CPS. Miscellaneous workers typically perform lunch and recess duties. Additionally, they often fill the job roles of Local 73 members for far less pay and no benefits. These are just some of the reasons why Miscellaneous workers reached out to SEIU Local 73 stewards and staff to join our Union.

“We go without health insurance. As the father of a three-year-old, I worry about ensuring the healthcare needs of my child. When I was contacted by SEIU Local 73, it gave me hope when I needed it the most. Hope that our work is finally being seen. Hope that we would be seen. Hope that our voices finally matter. Hope that miscellaneous employees across CPS will finally receive the protection, stability, and respect earned every single day we come to work. We show up every day for our students and we deserve a system that shows up for us too!” said Shah Dhanji, Miscellaneous Worker.

“Now more than ever it is imperative that labor unions focus their time, energy, and resources not just on fighting for the rights of those already unionized but on organizing unorganized low wage workers. We must build a stronger movement in which all workers have a voice. We welcome CPS Miscellaneous workers into our Union,” said Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Local 73.

“Chicago Public Schools should not force these workers into a protracted fight at the labor board and should recognize their decisive majority to join our union. Miscellaneous workers are some of the most exploited workers in CPS, asked to do whatever the Administration says with little to no recourse or support all while earning significantly less than a living wage and receiving no benefits. Working in an exploitative job does not preclude workers from forming a union- in fact it is the very reason why they must organize to form one,” said Trumaine Reeves, Director CPS Division.

“I am glad to be a part of this movement. It is a step in the right direction of getting us the wages and benefits we deserve and a voice in our workplace,” said Janet Romo, Miscellaneous Worker.

“I come from a household of unions so I know firsthand the value of having a union in your work, in a living wage, and a voice at the table. And that’s why I’m here because that is what these workers are asking for. They just want a fair share and I am here to support them,” said CPS Board Member Yesenia Lopez.