CPS Board of Education Awarded Grinch of the Year for Objecting to Miscellaneous Workers Unionizing

The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education filed their objection to 1,600 Miscellaneous workers’ majority interest petition to join SEIU Local 73 which currently represent over 13,000 support staff in CPS.

“These workers are some of the lowest paid, part time workers in CPS typically performing lunch and recess duties. For the Board to attempt to deny them their right to join a union on Christmas Eve is earns them Grinch of the Year,” said Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Local 73. 

“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 will fight this challenge before the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board and we will win,” said Palmer.

“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.