Labor Union Commemorates 31st Anniversary of Justice for Janitors

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 in the Portland, Oregon region commemorated the June 15^th Justice for Janitors Day 31st anniversary by highlighting custodians’ efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Public News Service reports.

On June 15, 1990, hundreds of custodians—including many who were immigrants from Central America—held a protest in Los Angeles, California against inadequate pay and unfair treatment at work when they were beaten by members of the  Los Angeles Police Department. Dozens of custodians were hospitalized, and others arrested. The public rallied behind theses custodians, and they were successful in winning a strong union contract.

SEIU Local 49 issued a news release in honor of Justice for Janitors Day honoring “everyone who has been in the streets, or is still in the streets, demanding justice, fair treatment, and the right to live and work in dignity.”

Maggie Long, executive director of SEIU Local 49, told Public News Service that custodial workers have played a vital role during the coronavirus pandemic. “There’s just been no question that, whether it was in the beginning of the pandemic disinfecting an infectious disease to now creating a space that is welcoming for people to come back, our workers have gone from invisible to essential,” Long said.

Custodians with expiring contracts deserve to be recognized and fairly compensated for their work during the pandemic in upcoming negotiations, Long added.