Watch CBS News

Emanuel: Custodial Contractors Can 'Clean Up Their Desks And Get Out' If They Fail To Fulfill Contract

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Emanuel says the Chicago Public Schools will hold its cleaning contractors accountable, amid complaints from principals and announcement of layoffs among janitors, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Principals have complained about poorly cleaned schools since janitorial services were privatized and now Aramark, the principle contractor, is threatening to layoff nearly 500 custodial workers.

Podcast

Emanuel has heard the complaints and has a message for the contractor.

"Aramark's job is to clean the schools so our principals and our teachers can focus on their fundamental responsibility: education," Emanuel said. "They will either live up to that contract and clean up the schools or they can clean up their desks and get out."

The mayor says School Board President David Vitale has met with Aramark officials to deliver that message and he expects the contractor to get the job done.

An Aramark spokeswoman said in a statement, "Aramark's top priority is to make sure that CPS students, faculty and staff have clean, comfortable learning environments. We recognize the importance of a smooth transition and are meeting with every principal in the district to address their concerns, as well as review our program, which we have in place at hundreds of school districts across the country. We have been training all CPS custodial staff on new equipment, using more efficient, environmentally friendly cleaning techniques, and are confident that this new program will deliver the results and savings we promised the CPS administration and the Mayor."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.