Howard University facilities maintenance and trade workers, joined by students, community members and clergy will rally at noon today to protest layoffs by facilities contractor Thompson. The 24 workers who are losing their jobs, members of 32BJ SEIU, include custodians, drivers, a locksmith, carpenters, electricians and plumbers who work at residence halls, academic and administrative buildings, as well as other on and off campus buildings. Howard students have gathered more than 1,000 petition signatures in the last week and will deliver the petition to Thompson’s offices following the rally.