Weslaco, TX (KRGV) — South Texas Independent School District updated its vacation policy for support staff starting next school year and those workers will no longer get 10 paid vacation days.

The change affects 172 people, including bus drivers, custodians and maintenance workers. One custodian said the decision is unacceptable.

"Well, it affects the time we get to spend with our families. I think that time should be respected," the custodian said.

The custodian asked to remain anonymous. The employee has worked for the district for more than four years and says they are still waiting for answers about how the changes will work.

"They haven't really said anything. They haven't explained exactly what's going to happen or what the process will look like if there's an emergency. We really haven't been given any answers," the custodian said.

In response, some employees started a petition and are seeking representation from the RGV American Federation of Teachers, an organization that advocates for education workers.

"When I first heard of it, I thought it was unfair. I didn't see any reason behind it or for the district to do this. Again, these employees are hardworking employees that make our schools run and without them, our schools wouldn't function the way they do," RGV AFT Lead Organizer Greg Rodriguez said.

Channel 5 News reached out to South Texas ISD for comment. Superintendent Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa provided the following statement:

“Ten vacation days were paid on top of those 260 days, bringing their paid days to 270 or more. That is more than the number of weekdays in a calendar year. The District is working to adjust these work calendars to something that makes sense financially for the District and aligns with the practices of other school districts in the region.”

The district also said employees could use overtime to make up for some of that time off.

"It's not consistent. It would be one time a month we go overtime but it's not a lot. I don't really know how it will work," the custodian said.

The custodian said the paid time off was usually spent with family.

"All we're asking is for the district to restore our vacation benefits, be transparent about its decisions and respect the people who keep our schools running," the custodian said.

A petition about the new policy has been started online. To sign it, click here.

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