Flor Camacho

Flor Camacho has lived in Houston for four years and worked as a janitor for two. Currently she is working three jobs to make ends meet - including an evening shift as a janitor where she makes $5.15 an hour with no benefits of any kind.

She has high hopes for winning a union. "It's finally a reality," she said. "It's exciting to be joining together with so many other workers."

The benefits won't come a moment too soon for Flor, who suffers with gastritis. Because she works so much, it's been difficult to find the time to eat properly. The medication is expensive, and because she doesn't have health insurance, she has to pay for all of it, including the doctor appointments, out of pocket.

"Every time I get sick I have to use the little savings I have. It can cost me up to $500 -- the medicine alone costs me $320 for a two week dose." That's about a month of salary for Flor.

"Winning a union will make a real difference in the lives of the people in our community," says Flor. "Single moms especially have such a hard time," she says.  "Parents will be able to spend more time at home raising their children, giving them the attention they need, as well as be able to provide the basic necessities."

Flor also believes a janitors' union in Houston can make a difference in Texas. "Work in Texas is badly paid --there are some people who work all day but only make $45.

"We have won something big, but we are on a journey and still have not reached our final goal," she said, referring to the pay and benefit increases she hopes to win during contract negotiations. She says she will continue to encourage her co-workers to get involved, "If ever in our lives we were willing to fight, now is the moment. We must have courage because we now have this great opportunity."

Flor is thankful and full of praise for the janitors around the country that have supported the janitors thus far. "They have courage and strength and will not be stopped. That really motivates us in Houston -- especially those workers that might have some fears -- it especially motivates them."

She hopes they will continue to show their support, "because we'll know we are not alone, and that it's not just about janitors, but about all workers. I don't know that I would have been able to do all this if it hadn't been for all the support we've received from all over the country."