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The Service Employees International Union Local 284 showed up for a rally outside of the Chisago Lakes District Office on Monday, November 8 in support of CL’s custodial staff.

The custodians were entering a mediation session with the district to resolve their next contract, which is their first as part of a union. The custodians voted to unionize earlier this year. There were over 50 people in attendance at the event, which included speeches by Chisago Lakes High School Lead Custodian Chris Marks (above, with mic), CLHS Assistant Lead Custodian Scott Carlson, SEIU Executive Director Kelly Gibbons and St. Paul Regional Labor Federation rep Kera Peterson. The group then ended with a largely symbolic march from just off the property to the front doors, yelling pro-union and anti-administration chants along the way.

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