CPS launches massive privatization of custodial work during Spring Break... 'Rest assured that any new employees will be trained on Aramark�s world-class cleaning standards. The program is rigorous, and you should have every expectation it will deliver immediate results...'
The massive continuation of privatization of CPS custodial services under contract with Aramark corporate is being pushed with fiercesome speed by CPS officials. On April 8, 2014, CPS principals received the following email from Aramark indicating that the complete transition would begin April 14, 2014. Note that the work is being done in cooperation with Local 73 SEIU, whose leaders also voted to undermine the Chicago Teachers Strike of 2012.
MEMO:
From: Clark, Jonnie Date: Tue, Apr 8, 2014
Subject: Custodial Staffing Update
As part of Aramark�s partnership with CPS to deliver world-class managed custodial services, we�re excited to inform you that phase-one implementation has begun! You�ll remember from the January/February network meetings, a large part of the phase-one process is reassignment of custodians based on employer affiliation... Now that we�ve completed the shift alignment process, attached to this email you will find the names of your new custodial staff as of April 14th, 2014.
Facilities and Aramark worked closely with both custodial unions, SEIU Local 1 (non-CPS) and Local 73 (CPS) to design a process minimizing disruption to schools and custodial staff alike. We understand this new staffing structure may be a change for you, and you have every right to be apprehensive. Rest assured that any new employees will be trained on Aramark�s world-class cleaning standards. The program is rigorous, and you should have every expectation it will deliver immediate results. New staff will NOT mean a decrease in service quality.
Another key point: there will be no immediate staffing reductions as part of the shift changes this spring break. Nor will there be a unilateral formula to determine the staffing level per facility. Aramark and CPS intend to utilize the 6-weeks leading to the end of the school year to learn the dynamics of each facility in order to determine optimized staffing levels for the future. We expect that long-term staffing and cleaning plans will be delivered to you on or before the last day of school.
The custodial transition will happen at the end of the day, April 11th, with the intent of starting implementation on Monday, April 14th. If you have activities planned in your school this weekend which require custodial support, please reply to me at this email with the pertinent details�even if this is a recurring event.
Also, please discuss with your custodial manager by the end of the week. It is our intent that the current custodial staff will cover special events occurring this weekend.
Below is a list of the custodians who will be assigned to Your School as of April 14th.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES
Aramark will be responsible for purchasing and stocking all custodial supplies including soap, plastic liners, toilet paper, towels, and cleaning products. The expectation of the custodial team is that custodial closets and restrooms should be well stocked with supplies, and custodial closets should be clean and orderly. Custodial supplies should be distributed only by the Aramark custodial team. If you have a concern about supplies, please contact your custodial manager or contact the CPS Custodial Call Center. The Aramark team will assume responsibility for ordering custodial supplies beginning at spring break (April 14th).
KRONOS/TIMEKEEPING
Starting April 7, 2014, the Aramark team will be responsible for managing all aspects of custodian time keeping and KRONOS functions. Aramark�s timekeeping responsibilities include scheduling work, approving vacation, addressing time clock exceptions, and reporting time.
SECURITY
Security of people, buildings, and school assets are a priority for the custodial team. The custodial team is working closely with CPS Facilities regarding protocols for building entry and securing buildings at the end of the day. We are also working with CPS Security to develop school by school plans for custodians who may be working after hours to ensure that they are safe while in the school and while traveling to and from work. Your custodial manager will reach out to you by the end of this week to ensure that the process for entry and securing your building is in place prior to April 14th.
CUSTODIAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER (866-209-0025)
Custodial Customer Service will be staffed on week days from 6AM to 6PM by a team located in one of our Chicago training centers. This team will monitor work orders entered through the online work order system (Web TMA) and will also take your calls. During off hours your calls will be tracked by an on-call system.
CPS and Aramark thank you for your patience through this process. We will approach custodial services in a very different way and commit that your school will be cleaner, your life will be easier, and we will save money for you to spend in the classroom. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 866-209-0025.
Best,
Aramark + CPS Facilities
Andrew Clauson, Vice President of Operations � Aramark.
