ADAMS TWP — The Service Employees International Union, Local 668, plans to hold a demonstration today at the Mars Home for Youth to protest the firing of five employees who union officials claim were let go because they were trying to organize.

An official at the Mars Home for Youth stated those employees were fired based solely on unsatisfactory job performances.

Kevin Hunt, union spokesman, claimed the five residential advisers were fired the week of Oct. 12 for "engaging in union activities."

Hunt said employees at the facility currently are not unionized.

The union demonstration is scheduled for 2 p.m. in a parking lot adjacent to the Mars Home for Youth property.

Shellyn Shoenthal, director of community relations for the Mars Home for Youth, said Wednesday afternoon that the facility has the duty to uphold the safety and well-being of their clients, and that the employees that they hire are asked to uphold those standards.

She said the five employees cited by the SEIU were terminated based completely on their performances.

She declined to comment on the demonstration or any other activities being conducted by the SEIU.

The Mars Home for Youth, located on Route 228, provides residential housing, support and educational program for youths who have suffered multiple hardships and traumas.