Rhode Island Members Help Derail Privatization Move

October 27, 2010

Members of several AFSCME locals (Council 94) rally in solidarity with Warwick Independent School Employees (WISE). (Photo credit: Susan Peterson)

A spirited Solidarity Rally, organized with the help of AFSCME Local 1651 (Council 94) in support of Warwick Independent School Employees (WISE) has forced Peter Horoschak, Superintendent of the Warwick public school system, to table a privatization plan that threatened the jobs of 60 bus drivers and 100 custodians. More than 400 union members and community activists throughout the city joined the rally outside Toll Gate High School recently to show support for the WISE workers. 

WISE represents 455 school employees, including bus drivers, clerical workers, custodians and teaching assistants. The union has filed a complaint in Superior Court to block the school’s privatization move.

“We’re here because it’s important to show our support for our sisters and brothers who are not being treated fairly,” said Jean Bouchard, president of AFSCME Local 1651, which represents more than 300 city workers. “Privatization is only a short-term solution that costs local jobs and more money down the line.”

Although privatization is not off the table as a cost-saving measure, Bouchard welcomes the superintendent’s decision to hold off. “WISE needs the opportunity to be part of the solution to Warwick’s budget problems. We hope both sides will arrive at a mutually-satisfactory resolution that ensures the long-term interests of the school children,” Bouchard adds.

Also attending the rally were AFSCME members from Locals 1651 (Warwick City), 904 (Veterans Home), 2872 (Dept of Education), 2882 (Dept of Human Services), 1350 (Medical Center), 670 (Woonsocket City), 1137 (Woonsocket Schools), 2879 (Rhode Island College Clerical), 528 (University of Rhode Island), 2873 (RI Airport Corp), 2448 (Dept of Administration), and Retiree Chapter 94.