Labor Leaders Pledge Support for Janitors

The nickel separating janitors and contractors could become a rallying cry for organized labor in Los Angeles, which is pouring money and resources into the nearly 3-week-old strike.

About $118,000 was raised from 76 union leaders Thursday night at an emergency meeting called by the County Federation of Labor. Most of those leaders promised to provide help on picket lines and to turn out members at a rally planned for downtown Los Angeles Tuesday.

The outcome of the janitors strike will set the tone for negotiations on contracts covering 100,000 union members this summer, including teachers, actors, county workers and bus mechanics, said Miguel Contreras, secretary-treasurer of the labor federation.

“That’s why the first one out of the chute is so important,” Contreras said. “ . . . That nickel will tell us whether this is a victory or a push.”

Despite intervention from local and state lawmakers, religious leaders and a growing number of building owners, the two sides had failed to reach an agreement as of Friday afternoon.

The dispute hinged on the first-year raise for janitors working outside the highly unionized cores of downtown Los Angeles and Century City. On Thursday, contractors agreed to offer 25 cents, while the Service Employees International Union, which originally asked for $1, insisted on 30 cents.

Both sides had informally agreed to 60-cent raises in each of the following two years. Any deal would have to be approved by union members. The Service Employees International Union represents about 8,500 Los Angeles janitors, who earn an average of $7.20 an hour.

Contractors delivered what they said was their final offer Wednesday night, and said they would declare an impasse if it was not accepted by Monday. Negotiator Dick Davis said that would clear the way for the hiring of permanent replacement workers.

The labor rally was planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday at Arco Plaza. “We’re prepared to show downtown that Los Angeles labor is united,” Contreras said. “If it’s resolved by then, it goes from a demonstration to a celebration, but right now, we’re planning on a demonstration.”