UNITE HERE, whose Local 634 members work as noontime aides and cafeteria workers in the Philadelphia School District, launched a fast this morning at 11:00 AM to protest the “doomsday budget” passed on May 30th by the School Reform Commission.

The budget calls for the School District to lay off 3,783 employees, including 1,200 school safety staff who are members of UNITE HERE 634. Even Superintendent of Schools William Hite called the layoffs “nothing less than catastrophic for our schools and our students.”

The Fast for School Safety will take place at Broad and Walnut Streets, in front of the Hyatt at the Bellevue where Governor Corbett maintains his Philadelphia office. Those participating in the fast, including school parents and UNITE-HERE 634 members, will fast without food or juice until the Commonwealth and the City act to prioritize school safety.

They gathered today at 5:00pm at Broad and Walnut to stand in solidarity with Philadelphia’s students, School District employees, and our brothers and sisters who are fasting for school safety.

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/1388010151411811/