Just before the holidays, 54 janitors who worked for the Chicago Public Library received pink slips today. The workers, who expected to work through mid-December, will not be returning to work, but will be paid through December 14.

The workers are the last ones to lose their jobs after the city entered into contracts with two companies, Dayspring Professional Services and Triad Consulting Services, that is supposed to save the city $2.8 million annually. The deals were made under last year's budget. SEIU*, which respresents the workers, say they are working with the city to try and restore the workers jobs.

*The SEIU Illinois Council sponsors this web site.