Local 32BJ workers are standing up to the City Council to fight against the proposed budget cuts for the Department of Education, in defense of the health and safety of the children.

More than 100 custodians packed the steps of City Hall Friday to speak on behalf of students. They say with the swine flu pandemic hitting schools locally, they?re afraid these cuts will impact their ability to properly sanitize the schools. ?We're already bare bones. We need to keep the schools clean, especially now,? says custodian Patrice Dolan

Officials who joined the fight say the lack of funding can put students and teachers at risk. Instead of helping the cause toward better education, they claim the city is causing more stress.

Members say they?ll continue to petition the City Council to keep the funding, because having clean schools is a necessity.