California janitors are expected to unite in a massive strike Saturday against commercial businesses from across the state in a bid to get better wages and working conditions.
The janitors plan to strike over wages and a range of workplace complaints alleged against several major service companies. The massive protest has already received support from a handful of prominent unions among other activists in the state. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) hosted a press conference in Los Angeles to announced its support Thursday.
“[We’re] ready to offer any type of support, including preparing bags of food for the janitors,” the SEIU United Service Workers West said in a press release. “Union members across Los Angeles County will not cross picket lines, and it could impact the flow of business.”
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor also announced its support during the press conference. The unions allege janitors have been subjected to bad working conditions, a lack of workplace protections, sexual assault and low-wages. ABM Industries, Able Services and DMS Building Maintenance Service among others are listed by the unions as the worst offenders.
Cities and states from across the country in the last year have been faced with similar protests from janitors. Minneapolis, Minn. was hit with a strike Feb. 18 after city officials and the SEIU Local 26 were unable to agree on a new labor contract. New Jersey narrowly avoided a strike Dec. 23 when it reached a labor contract at the last minute.
The California janitors voted Apr. 23 to authorize their bargaining committee to declare a strike. The workers still have the right not to go on strike, but with the issues remaining unresolved with only a few days left, it would be unlikely.
ABM, Able, and DMS did not respond to requests for comment by The Daily Caller News Foundation.
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