After the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority announced a plan to cut almost 100 jobs of those who clean stations and facilities in and around Boston in 2013, local unions, supporters of worker's rights, and those facing layoffs began protesting and organized to fight back.

Local 32BJ began a public campaign and protests against the plan, including recent protests this summer.

According to the local union affiliate, 50 legislators sent a letter to Richard A. Davey, secretary and chief executive officer of Massachusetts Department of Transportation, urging a stop to the cuts.

A Labor Day layoff of janitors would have cut one-third of the MBTA cleaning work force, but according to an Aug. 27 press release on Local 32BJ's website, months of pushback stopped the plan.

"The MBTA's decision to reconsider these drastic cuts is good news for workers and T riders," Roxana Rivera, director of 32BJ SEIU District 615, said in the press release. "We look forward to continuing to work with the MBTA and its cleaning contractors to find cost-saving alternatives that save taxpayer dollars while ensuring the quality service, safe jobs and standards of cleanliness that the T riders deserve."

Father Flavin said many of those who faced the layoffs are Catholics, new to the United States, who participate in their parishes and faith.

"When you come to this country, there is an automatic connection with their church, and there is a trust with the Church. That's why we get involved in it," he said.

Father Flavin said supporting the janitors reflects a long-standing tradition in the Church.

"The Catholic social teaching has always been very strong in upholding the dignity of workers," he said.

Allyson Every, executive director of the Labor Guild, said the Mass will also continue a tradition of holding a Mass to commemorate Labor Day.

"There's usually a Labor Day Mass each year and we're delighted that it's going to be at the Seaport Chapel," she said.

The averted cuts would have fallen on a national holiday dedicated to the celebration of the labor movement in the United States.