100 Nashua School Custodians Await Ruling That Could Eliminate Their Jobs

NASHUA, NH — Nashua school custodians are awaiting a state labor board ruling on the elimination of their jobs.

In the fall, the city Board of Education voted to privatize custodial services to save money. In response, the union representing the roughly 100 affected custodians filed a complaint with the state Public Employee Labor Relations Board. The custodians will keep their jobs at least until the board issues a ruling.

Former Nashua Board of Education Chairman George Farrington explained the board's decision in the fall:

“We are at a point where reducing a little here and there isn’t going to be enough to make the budget work as we go forward. It is time for fundamental changes in the methods and means by which we conduct certain school district operations. I understand that change is difficult and can even be painful for those most closely impacted by it. I don’t make this decision lightly, but I firmly believe this is a necessary course of action for us.”

The Nashua Labor Coalition opposed the move. Chairwoman Deb Howes previously said:

“This ill-conceived plan by the Board of Education is wrong. Outsourcing to private contractors sounds like a great deal at first, but as the Board saw with our private busing service, the cost dramatically increases and the taxpayers end up paying more in the end.”

Should the Nashua school system privatize custodial services? Share your opinion in the comments.

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