Janitors End Strike at USC After 5 Days Without Accord
Subcontracted janitors at USC and the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center who struck to protest alleged unfair labor practices ended their walkout Monday in Los Angeles.
Leticia Salcedo, a labor organizer with Service Employees International Union, Local 399, said the workers decided to return to their jobs after five days because they felt that they had “sent a clear message” to the subcontracting company, ServiceMaster.
The workers contend that they are being harassed by ServiceMaster in their campaign to demand recognition of Local 399 as their bargaining agent.
ServiceMaster said about a third of the custodial staff at the two campuses struck starting Tuesday night but made an “unconditional offer to return to work” Saturday.
Janitorial services were performed by temporary replacement workers and regular employees working overtime, said Bob Bruce, vice president and labor relations counsel for ServiceMaster.
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