AFSCME concerned about losing Youngstown school district jobs

YOUNGSTOWN — District employees concerned about changes in their jobs and possible cuts in other positions attended a school board meeting this week intent on showing board members how they feel.

The school board’s business committee, in charge of preparing a special education transportation contract for the entire board to review, meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, but members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees were not waiting for that meeting.

AFSCME members have been concerned that possible changes in transportation and food services in the contract could affect their jobs. Dozens of AFSCME members filled the board’s meeting chambers tonight wearing green shirts with the union logo stenciled on the front.

Several people spoke to the board on behalf of the employees.

Bill Padisak, president of the Mahoning and Trumbull AFL-CIO, said many believe the board is planning to outsource some management positions under the new contract. He said such a move will ultimately mean the outsourcing of busing altogether — something he feels will cost the district more money.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.