PHILADELPHIA — Today, City Councilmember Helen Gym (At Large) released the following statement in support of School District of Philadelphia bus drivers and maintenance workers:
“I am standing with every maintenance worker, building engineer, bus driver, and member of SEIU 32BJ who powered our schools through a pandemic and did their best to keep our schools open and functioning. 32BJ members are more than employees. Many are city residents and public school parents and caretakers of our city’s children. The members of 32BJ SEIU have my unwavering support in their fight for livable wages and dignity and respect on the job, and that starts with a fair contract.
“This is especially important as we seek to keep our buildings not only safe but clean. We must recognize that children, school staff, and communities expect and deserve well-maintained buildings and safe transport to and from school — especially in a world where hygiene and health have never been more important. It’s unconscionable that the members of SEIU 32BJ are being held down to the lowest wage standards in the city at a time when maintenance workers and building engineers are among the highest vacancy positions within the School District. The District must come to the table with SEIU 32BJ and bring a serious offer to address safety, dignity, and fair pay on the job.”
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