Chicago Janitor Layoffs to Hit Police, Fire Stations

Union warns of unsanitary conditions and public health risks from 50% staffing cuts at city facilities

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Union officials are bracing for a wave of layoffs targeting custodians who work in Chicago city government buildings due to a $12 million cut in the facilities budget in the spending plan Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen put together for 2026. The cuts are expected to hit fire and police stations, pumping stations, cultural centers and City Hall, harming both the 'essential health workers' and the public.

Why it matters

The layoffs could signal that other spending cuts passed by aldermen could ultimately lead to similar workforce reductions for contracted employees as Johnson implements a budget crafted amid immense pressure to reduce costs. It could also further weaken a strained relationship between Johnson and the local SEIU unions that teamed up with the Chicago Teachers Union in 2023 as his most important election backers, just as a 2027 re-election bid gears up.

The details

The mayor's administration ordered a 50% staffing cut for contractors employing the union custodians who are 'already working with bare-bones staffing,' said Bailey Koch, spokesperson for Service Employees International Union Local 1, which represents the custodians. The businesses notified of reduced contracts by the city include A&R Janitorial Service, We're Clean, Diverse Facility Solutions and ABM.

  • The spending plan Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen put together for 2026 includes a $12 million cut in the facilities budget.
  • The layoffs could signal that other spending cuts passed by aldermen could ultimately lead to similar workforce reductions for contracted employees as Johnson implements a 2026 budget.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who put together a 2026 spending plan that includes a $12 million cut in the facilities budget.

Bailey Koch

Spokesperson for Service Employees International Union Local 1, which represents the custodians who will be laid off.

Cassio Mendoza

Spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Gilbert Villegas

36th Ward alderman who argued that Johnson should have found cuts elsewhere before turning to the city's 'lowest of the lowest' custodial workers.

SEIU Illinois State Council

A union umbrella organization that includes SEIU Local 1, which declared itself 'under attack' last February by the mayor's closest ally, the Chicago Teachers Union.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cutting this workforce in half will inevitably lead to dirtier buildings, unsanitary conditions, and increased public health risks for city workers and residents alike.”

— Bailey Koch, Spokesperson, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago Tribune)

“They said you should cut more, and what I said repeatedly was, if you cut even more, it's going to continue to cost people their jobs. You can't have it both ways.”

— Brandon Johnson (Chicago Tribune)

“The city doesn't determine that. It's up to the contractors to determine how they want to manage those reductions.”

— Cassio Mendoza, Spokesperson, Mayor Brandon Johnson (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.