Friday, May 18, 2012

LA and OC Janitors Join San Diego’s Own at UTC for Protest March & Rally; Hunger Fasters To Break Fast At Intersection of Towne Center Drive and La Jolla Villa Drive


San Diego, CA - SEIU United Service Workers West janitors from Los Angeles and Orange County will join janitors from San Diego today, Friday, May 18, 2012 at Genesee Ave and La Jolla Village Drive, against contractors and their corporate employers who insist on wage freezes and cuts to workers’ health benefits.  In response to their proposals, USWW janitors began a 3-day hunger fast which is scheduled to end tomorrow at 12:30PM at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Towne Center Drive.

“For the past couple of months, the bargaining committee has negotiated in good faith with contractors for a modest wage increase and health care coverage for all janitors.  Instead, what contractors have offered is wage freezes and cuts to our benefits,” Martha Gomez, hunger faster and member of the bargaining committee.  “What contractors don’t realize is that we are prepared to take our fight for a dignified contract to the streets if we have to.  I am fasting for my children.  And for them I am standing up and saying enough!”

For over 20 years, janitors have fought hard to raise industry standards and improve wages and benefits so that their families can live a better life. While the janitors have made significant progress, current wages still fall short of what is needed to make ends meet in San Diego. This fight is even greater for the janitors who clean the commercial buildings and biotech companies in the suburbs of San Diego.

In 2012, 30,000 of USWW’s 40,000 members’ collective bargaining contracts expire, including the 1,800 office, tech and biotech janitors from San Diego and Inland Empire counties which are set to expire on May 30th.

WHO:                
SEIU USWW Janitors, Hunger Fasters, Community & Religious Leaders, including SD City Councilwoman Marti Emerald

WHAT:                 
Protest march and Rally for dignified wages and health care for workers and their families.

WHERE:                 
12PM – Small rally with Councilwoman Marti Emerald at Genesee Avenue and La Jolla Village Drive.
March through biotech corridor at UTC.
12:30PM – Ending rally at Towne Center Drive and La Jolla Village Drive.  Hunger fasters to end fast at intersection.

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