“One Industry, One Union, One Contract,”

Seattle Celebrates 22 Years of Justice

March and Rally Part of Nationwide Celebration of Justice for Janitors Day

Seattle, WA — Friday, June 15, 2012 marks the 22nd anniversary of Justice for Janitors Day. Elected and community leaders will join area janitors in support of their campaign for “Good Jobs and Strong Communities” at Westlake Park in Downtown Seattle at the corner of 4th Avenue and Pine Street.

Drastic cuts to janitor’s wages and elimination of health care benefits by employers sparked the Justice for Janitor’s (J4J) movement.  Nationally, Justice for Janitors Day honors the faith, community and janitorial leaders who were brutally beaten and arrested while holding a peaceful protest in support of striking janitors in Los Angeles.

June 15 is particularly important for Seattle area janitors, members of SEIU Local 6, who are currently in contract negotiations with employers. SEIU Local 6 expects the employer’s contract proposals hours before the rally. The current janitorial contract expires June 30th.

“Seattle is one of top commercial real estate markets in the country,” said Adriana Almejo, a Seattle janitor and member of SEIU Local 6. “Janitors’ hard work helped these businesses to grow. So why are employers talking about taking away my children’s health insurance?”

Justice for Janitors Day events are planned for Boston, Chicago, DC, Detroit, Houston, LA, NY, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle.

Who:            Janitors and Community Supporters including U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Church Council of Greater Seattle Director Michael Ramos, M.L. King County Labor Council Executive Secretary David Freiboth

What:           Rally for Healthcare

Where:         Westlake Park, 401 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101

When:          May 25, Friday, 3 P.M.

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Members of SEIU Local 6, representing Property Service workers, include airport workers, janitors, security officers, maintenance and custodial workers, stadium and arena workers, window cleaners, and other working families in Washington State. 

CONTACT:  TaniaMaría Rosario, (206) 850-5021

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