Rally Thursday for Newton School Custodians

Newton, MA – Newton Democrats, a local political group, will rally tomorrow in support of the Newton School Custodians Union.

The function is being held to express support for the union in the face of what the group says is the Newton School Committee's attempts to "outsource" custodial services.

This issue has gained prominence as it is debated whether or not a jurisdiction clause preventing the hiring of non-union workers will be included in the new custodial contract.

"Our goal is to broaden our outreach beyond the Newton School Committee to Newton residents unfamiliar with Newton School Committee's apparent determination to 'outsource' custodial services, thereby undermining the safety and security of Newton school children" Newton Democrats wrote in its announcement. "In addition to the potential risk to Newton's school children, outsourcing custodial services reduces professionalism, negatively impacts the economic security of custodians at the very moment that the nation is committed to raising the minimum wage, and diminishes the cohesion of the school community."

At the rally, the Newton Democratic City Committee will provide copies of its recent resolution against outsourcing custodial services, and handwritten materials from members of the union will be provided.

The rally begins at 5:30 at the Newton Centre Green; for more information call Martina Jackson at 1-617-775-0754.

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