10 Photos: 'Living Wage Now,' District 204 Paraprofessionals, Security Staff Demand At West High School

JOLIET, IL — On Tuesday evening, there was a huge turnout from the Joliet Township High School Paraprofessional Council who held a rally prior to the night's District 204 school board meeting. The demonstration was held to demand a fair contract with a living wage that will decrease high job turnover and ensure students can learn in safe schools.

According to the Illinois Federation of Teachers labor organization, the 110 members of the council serve as Instructional Paraprofessionals and Security Staff who provide direct academic support and safe school environments for nearly 7,000 students in Joliet's two public high schools.

The paraprofessionals were joined at the rally by teacher colleagues and fellow union members in a broad showing of support. The members wore their union shirts and carried signs as they stood on the sidewalk outside of Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Ave.