SEIU Local 73 Condemns CCSD #130 Administration for Latest Escalation in its Legacy of Racist and Anti-Union Action

SEIU Local 73 vehemently denounces the recent actions of Community Consolidated School District #130 (CCSD #130), which escalated its campaign of harassment against union members by seeking the criminal referral, arrest, and prosecution of a school custodian for allegedly leaving work early.

SEIU Local 73 represents 50 custodians and maintenance workers in the district, 95% of whom are Black and Brown women and men. The union says this incident is the latest in a series of racially charged and anti-union actions by the district.

The union has documented multiple incidents since 2022, including retaliation against union stewards and workers, terminations for alleged policy violations, and the denial of language rights during disciplinary hearings, with administrators refusing to provide interpreters or allow workers to speak languages other than English.

In September 2025, Superintendent Colleen McKay denied public comment at a Board of Education meeting, even as SEIU Local 73 members attempted to speak. Today, the administration still refuses to drop the charges against the arrested custodian, amplifying fears of further retaliation and union-busting tactics.

Custodians and maintenance workers, despite past commendations, now face accusations from management of unclean buildings, a claim workers refute, citing deliberate understaffing and management’s refusal to address equipment failures. The union asserts that the administration has delayed contract negotiations since July, canceled meetings, and made unreasonable demands, using crisis and intimidation to force workers into submission.

SEIU Local 73 custodians and supporters will address these issues at the upcoming school board meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. They call for the immediate drop of charges, the cessation of discriminatory practices, and the fair treatment of all workers.

Custodians and maintenance workers, despite past commendations, now face accusations from management of unclean buildings, a claim workers refute, citing deliberate understaffing and management’s refusal to address equipment failures. The union asserts that the administration has delayed contract negotiations since July, canceled meetings, and made unreasonable demands, using crisis and intimidation to force workers into submission.

SEIU Local 73 custodians and supporters will address these issues at the upcoming school board meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. They call for the immediate drop of charges, the cessation of discriminatory practices, and the fair treatment of all workers.