Workers Mobilize to Stop Outsourcing

Hundreds of custodians and groundskeepers who work in Metro schools all across Davidson County poured into the Union Hall throughout the day for special-called Emergency Meetings to discuss the budget fight.

"This is not a done deal," said Doug Collier, Local 205 President.  Union organizers laid out the plan to stop the outsourcing of hundreds of jobs that would lead to lower pay and cuts to health insurance and pension benefits that employees have worked hard over the years to earn.

"The key to winning this fight is for you and your co-workers to take ownership of this fight," said Teresa West, the chief steward for the MNPS chapter.  "The Mayor and the Council aren't going to respond to the union's staff - they need to hear from you, your family, your friends, your co-workers, and your churches".

SEIU has been successful at stopping privatization twice over the last decade - once at the Metro Water Department and twice at Metro Social Services.  In both instances, the only reason the workers won was, "because we decided to organize, work out a plan, and then take action," said Michelle McKenzie, who helped lead the fight against privatization when she worked at Metro Social Services.

MNPS employees were encouraged to contact their Metro Council member and have a personal conversation with them about their job and the impact privatization will have on them and their families if it passes.  There are also plans to take our message out to the broader community, especially at churches across the city and in the media through visibility events.

"We have a lot to do and it is crucial that you stay in communication with us and be ready to act quickly," Collier said.  Collier also spoke of legislative and legal remedies that the Local is exploring, but only after every other option has failed.  "Let's be clear - the first order of business is to take this to the streets and to our churches," he said.