FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2005
CONTACT:
Amber Goodwin 713-514-0005
Health Care Crisis, Struggles of Low-Wage Workers to be Focus of Summer Events Held by Janitors, Community Supporters
New website launched today -- Houstonjanitors.org
HOUSTON -- The health care crisis and the struggles of low-wage workers in Houston will be the focus of a series of public events this summer sponsored by janitors who are uniting to form a union and their community supporters.
The janitors, with the backing of Houston's community, religious and elected leaders, are in the midst of an historic campaign to secure family health care, fair wages, full-time work, and better working conditions by uniting to form a union with SEIU (Service Employees International Union), the nation's largest union of janitors and other immigrant workers.
The janitors' campaign, known as "Justice for Houston Janitors," launched a new website today containing information for community organizations, the public, and the media about the janitors and why they are uniting to form a union. The website can be viewed in English or Spanish at www.houstonjanitors.org
Sat., July 16 Special Community Meeting 2 p.m.
St. Anne Catholic Community
2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston
Site phone: 713-907-0008
Janitors and their supporters will hold a special community meeting to get an update on the janitors' effort to win health care and better jobs by forming a union.
Sat., August 6 Community Forum on Houston's Health Care Crisis
Time & Location TBA
A panel of health professionals, policymakers, janitors, and policy experts will convene a community forum to discuss the effect of Houston's health care crisis on families, businesses, public budgets, and taxpayers.
Wed., August 10 Tour of Houston's Public Health Resources
Time & Location TBA
Janitors and elected officials will tour a public clinic and other places where's Houston's uninsured get care.
Sat., August 20 Citywide Workers' Mass
Time & Location TBA
Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza will lead a special citywide mass for low-wage workers that will spotlight the janitors' struggle for justice.