Janitors from Around the Country

Janitors around the country have been strong supporters of their brothers in sisters in Houston. Many of these janitors have themselves been part of a struggle to raise wages and benefits to create a better life for their families, and they have visited Houston to share their stories with janitors who are just beginning that struggle.

“My family is not special or exciting or different. We’re just an average working family in the neighborhood.  Its families like ours that make our community strong.  With my union wages and family health care, we are able to support and take care of each other.  That is what the Houston Campaign is all about.  Its about making sure that working people. . . have what they need to take care of themselves and their families.”

New York City Janitor Aminta Gonell

"In 2003, janitors of Washington faced the fight against contractors and company owners. We demanded wage increases from $7.50 to 8.90 for part time employees and $9.40 for full time employees.

We had to fight hard and we organized street demonstrations demanding justice. We faced contractors and we marched in front of legislator’s buildings, the White House, commercial buildings, where we cleaned universities and parks, shouting and demanding justice and benefits.

And, you know what? They listened to us. Students and authorities supported us. Political leaders supported us. Religious leaders, young people and mainly cleaning workers united together and we obtained paid vacations, paid sick leave and compassionate leave. They gave us more work hours, health insurance and wage increase.

And now, sisters and brothers, that is why I am here today, to tell you that we can also do it in Houston."

Washington, DC Janitor Clara Castillo

"In 1997, we began a campaign in Chicago to organize janitors in the suburbs. Workers in the suburbs, unlike downtown workers, were making $5.25 an hour without health insurance. Downtown workers supported us and pledged to fight with us.

In 2000, cleaning workers in the suburbs were making more than $6 an hour. Now they do making almost $10 an hour. We know that all cleaning workers must be united. We all needed to obtain receive fair and decent pay with health insurance; we want respect, dignity and justice. Not only in Chicago, but in Houston too. Today, the Chicago janitors fought side by side with the Houston janitors. Chicago has been where you are right now. But together we are going to win.”

Chicago Janitor Jose Bernal