Brookline School Workers Win Against Privatization, Secure 100 Jobs

Brookline Unites to Preserve Public Service Jobs

BROOKLINE, Mass. – In a remarkable show of unity and strategic mobilization, the Brookline community successfully defeated a proposal aimed at outsourcing nearly 100 public service positions within its school district. This grassroots effort ensured the continued employment of school custodians and food service workers as public employees.

The initiative to combat privatization was spearheaded by AFSCME Local 1358, part of Council 93. The collective action of labor unions, community advocates, and the workers themselves played a crucial role in this victory, underscoring the influence of organized labor in safeguarding essential public services.

The Brookline School Committee initially proposed outsourcing custodial and food services to address a budget shortfall. However, Council 93 effectively argued that the financial benefits would be fleeting and would lead to significant disruption for workers and a decline in service quality. The proposal also risked eroding trust within the school community.

Jim Mellett, a veteran school custodian and vice president of Local 1358, was a prominent advocate in this campaign. "I’ve always tried to make whichever building I’m working at better than it was yesterday,” he remarked. “You won’t get that from a private contractor.”

When the potential cuts were announced in late February, Local 1358 quickly mobilized, utilizing expertise from Council 93’s various departments to bolster their efforts. The union, along with community supporters, engaged in a relentless campaign to raise awareness about the drawbacks of privatization, resulting in an outpouring of community support through emails, letters, and phone calls to the committee.

"Spreading the word and getting the public involved in the process, along with support from other unions, really made the difference,” Mellett explained. “But what put it over the top was workers showing up to fight for their jobs — adding a human element.”

The collective efforts culminated in a unanimous vote by the Brookline School Committee on March 13 to retain in-house food services, followed by another unanimous decision on March 20 to keep custodial services intact.

Mona Saltalamacchia, president of Local 1358 and a member of the Council 93 Executive Board, highlighted the power of grassroots organizing. She stated, “I don’t think we would be in the position we are today without the help of Local 1358 members from departments across Brookline, Council 93 locals, other unions, and the Brookline families.”

Echoing this sentiment, Heather DeLuca, recording secretary for Local 1358, added, “Many times, these workers are overlooked — you need to show how important these jobs are to the fabric of the community. … Teachers, parents, and students spoke up about how much they cherish this staff.”

This triumph in Brookline serves as a potent reminder of the potential of union solidarity and strategic action in the face of privatization threats. Mellett advised other locals facing similar challenges: “You don’t have to go through this alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and keep fighting.”

Saltalamacchia concluded with a message of unity: “We are all in this together.”