Murdered California Custodian Remembered for Labor Activism

The family and co-workers of a Los Angeles apartment custodian are remembering him for his labor activism with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and United Service Workers West (USWW), CalMatters reports.

José Tomas Mejia worked as a custodian at a one of the 18 buildings in Park La Brea, in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles. Last month Mejia was trying to stop a teenager from entering the apartment building to attack his girlfriend. However, in trying to save the tenant, Mejia was stabbed multiple times.

Mejia was a member of the executive board of SEIU-USWW for 25 years. According to family members, Mejia became an activist to protect the rights of immigrants and women and men who experience domestic violence. He also participated in self-defense workshops. Mejia was given the name “compadre” from the Ya Basta Center, which advocates against patriarchy, sexual violence, and domestic violence and brings attention to the dangers faced by immigrants working custodial night shifts.

“He died protecting a woman. He died at the hands of the violence he was trying to prevent,” said Alejandra Valles, treasurer of SEIU-USWW.

Valles said the union is working to ensure Mejia’s wife will receive workers’ compensation for life since her husband died in his work area. The union will also advise the family on a criminal lawsuit.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Mejia’s family.

Prime Group, owner of Park La Brea, has not commented on the murder.