Aramark to keep schools clean, or else, Emanuel says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the private company that has taken over janitor work at Chicago Public Schools needs to keep schools clean, or else.

Principals and administrators have complained that schools have not been cleaned properly since the firm Aramark won the contract.

Despite the complaints, 468 union janitors will be laid off by the end of the month.

The mayor says the newly hired company needs to make sure they are doing the job.

"Aramarks job is to clean the schools so our principals and teachers can focus on their fundamental responsibility, education," Emanuel said. "They will either live up to that contract and clean up the schools, or they can clean up their desks and get out."

Aramark was awarded a $260 million contract to clean schools.