University Custodians Considering Strike

University of Southern California (USC) students helped organize a custodian rally last week calling for increased pay and improved benefits for the workers responsible for keeping the Los Angeles campus clean, the Daily Trojan reports.

An editorial in the Daily Trojan, the student newspaper, called on students to support the school’s housekeeping staff. “The tireless care and work that USC’s custodial workers put into maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic integrity of the university makes campus appear spotless. These janitorial workers risk their employment and livelihoods in choosing to speak up about poor work conditions and striking—USC students must show solidarity with them.”

The custodians, who work for Aramark and are members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) labor union, are seeking pay increases higher than the additional US$0.45 an hour their employer is offering. Reyna Diaz said the wage offer is insufficient to keep up with the cost of living. 

“We’re asking that they respect our work, that they give us a just contract, that they see us as an important part here at the university,” said Diaz. “They should consider the cost of living … We are not going to survive on $0.45.”

Representatives from SEIU and Aramark are expected to continue negotiations on the custodians’ contracts this week. The custodians have said they are prepared to strike if their requests are not met.