Janitors demand justice on DC streets

Hundreds of janitors rallied and marched through downtown DC during last night's rush-hour traffic, vowing to strike if they don't win a contract with fair wages by October 15. The members of SEIU 32BJ drew support from local District officials including DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Elissa Silverman. ""Keep marching and keep holding us accountable," Silverman told the crowd. "We're here to make sure working people have opportunity in our city." The spirited march included a stop at the White House where 32BJ's vice president Jaime Contreras shouted “Trump! Shame on you!” Most of the local's members are immigrants, who Contreras said the Trump admin treats “like animals.” Negotiations began on September 12th for a contract covering over 4,000 janitors in Washington, D.C., 4,000 janitors in Northern Virginia, over 1,500 janitors in Montgomery County, over 600 Baltimore janitors and a first-ever union contract for hundreds of janitors in Loudoun County, VA and Prince George’s County, MD. photo by Amanda Michelle Gomez

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