Over 3,000 Chicago Janitors Take To The Streets

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http://progressillinois.com/2009/3/2/over-3000-janitors-take-to-streets


Yesterday afternoon, over 3,000 Chicago janitors and members of the Services Employees International Union packed the Chicago Theater for a "contract convention," featuring appearances by local elected officals, labor leaders, and many of the janitors themselves. After the program concluded, the enthusiastic crowd took to the snowy streets for a frigid -- but high-energy -- march to Federal Plaza. Once there, several more speakers took to a small stage to address the crowd.

The rally comes days before SEIU Local 1 begins contract negotiations with the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA). Talking to the Sun-Times, spokeswoman Erica Hade expressed hope that the union could secure better pay and health care for the workers:

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The assembled janitors also heard a lot about the success of the Republic Windows sit-in last December. "There were 250 Republic Windows and Doors workers and we showed the nation what we can do if we're united," said former Republic employee Heriberto Barriga told them. "There is over 2,000 of you members here. Imagine what you guys can do to get a good contract if you continue to stay united."

During her remarks, Rep. Jan Schakowsky expressed optimism about the direction of the country under President Obama: "This has the possibility of being one of those big change moments in the history of our country. We could be ushering in a new progressive era." She also read the following excerpt from the president's most recent weekly address, to great applause:
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more power to the janiors

there are pics and a video

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1. That should clean up them streets...