Janitor Strike for Higher Wages

Justice for Janitors: It’s about time (“Janitors Take Protest to Beverly Hills Shops,” April 6). The Justice for Janitors struggle is not just about a current labor dispute here in Los Angeles. It is a struggle for respect, dignity and fair wages long overdue for all low-wage workers.

In 1956 my parents came to California to make a living. For several years they worked in the fields in and around Fresno County. In the 1960s, my father was able to secure work as a janitor and my mother worked as a maid cleaning motel rooms. There were many times when she would help my father as he worked the late-night shift. My parents were proud of their work. Unfortunately, they were paid very low wages and had no union representation. These low wages are the standard for this industry. It’s about time that these workers demand their fair share.

My parents would be proud of those janitors and supporters who are taking their demands to the streets and the halls of corporate America. I know I am.

DAVID TRUJILLO

Highland Park

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A $1-an-hour raise doesn’t seem like very much until you realize that there are over 8,500 members of the union. The first-year raise would cost over $19 million and by the end of the third year the increase would be over $57 million.

Someone is going to have to pay that from somewhere. Just a reminder that in a competitive business the dollars mount up until someone may just come in and bid for these services at a lower cost.

BARRY LEVY

Redondo Beach