BROOKLINE, Mass. – It was a resounding victory that grew out of grassroots mobilization and saved the jobs of public service workers.
Members of AFSCME Local 1358 (Council 93) recently thwarted the Brookline School Committee’s efforts to privatize nearly 100 jobs, ensuring that school custodians and food service employees remain public employees.
The victory, achieved through a strong coalition of labor unions, community support and direct worker action, highlights the power of Council 93 members in standing up for essential public services.
The committee’s plan would’ve partially outsourced custodial and food services jobs to private contractors to close a budget deficit. Council 93 presented evidence that any savings would be temporary at best, while disrupting the lives of dozens of workers, diminishing service quality, and leading to a loss of trust in the school community.
Jim Mellett, vice president of Local 1358 and a school custodian since 1988, was one of the key voices in the fight.
“I’ve always tried to make whichever building I’m working at better than it was yesterday,” he said. “You won’t get that from a private contractor.”
When news of the proposed cuts broke in late February, Local 1358 quickly jumped into action. Members enlisted the help and expertise of Council 93’s Membership Mobilization, Political and Legislative, and Field Services departments to fight back.
Members of Local 1358 and other locals, Council 93 staff, and union and community supporters were a constant presence at committee meetings over the next few weeks. They mobilized and educated the community on the pitfalls of privatization. A robust outreach campaign generated hundreds of emails, letters, and calls to the committee in support of the workers.
“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 efforts paid off when the Brookline School Committee voted unanimously on March 13 to keep food services in-house and in another unanimous vote on March 20 to maintain custodial services.
Mona Saltalamacchia, Local 1358 president, a member of the Council 93 Executive Board, and a longtime school department employee, emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing.
“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,” she said.
Heather DeLuca, recording secretary for Local 1358 and a 25-year veteran of Brookline’s Public Works Department, echoed that sentiment.
“Many times, these workers are overlooked — you need to show how important these jobs are to the fabric of the community,” she said. “Our community saw past the marginal savings and recognized the benefit of keeping their trusted public employees. … Teachers, parents, and students spoke up about how much they cherish this staff.”
As public service unions continue to face threats of privatization, Local 1358’s victory in Brookline serves as an inspiring example of what unions can accomplish through solidarity and strategic action.
Mellett’s advice for 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 summed up the fight with a clear message: “We are all in this together.”