Janitors who work for Chicago Public Schools have been busy educating parents and the community about the risk to students when any school workers have no sick days.  The janitors recently spoke Chicago Board of Education meeting, saying that sick days for janitors can’t wait. 

Schools’ CEO Ron Huberman was quick to respond to the janitors concerns.  Huberman confirmed his commitment to require sick days in the next contract with cleaning companies, and he also asked to meet with janitors to try to find a solution this year. 

A group of janitors, accompanied by SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff, had a first meeting with Huberman and a follow up meeting with his staff to work on proposals for sick days this year.

For years, CPS’ privatized janitors have worked with no sick days.  Schools CEO Ron Huberman should be commended for recognizing the urgency and importance of this issue and working with the janitors to find a solution.