Janitors, Day Laborers Rally for Reform, Respect

Hundreds of janitors, housekeepers and day laborers gathered downtown Friday in a rally and march to demand immigration reform and greater respect for their work.

Labor and political leaders argued for legislation that would grant amnesty to thousands of illegal immigrants, including many who work as janitors. Nearly 2,000 service employees clad in purple T-shirts chanted, beat drums and waved signs reading “Reward Work” to show their support.

Mike Garcia, president of Service Employees International Union, Local 1877, said the law unfairly confines millions of immigrant workers to the bottom rung of society.

“It doesn’t matter,” he said, “that they are working and contributing to the success of this country.”

The Pershing Square rally marked the 11th annual “Justice for Janitors Day,” a nationwide effort organized each year by the union, which last year negotiated a 25% wage increase over three years for local janitors.

“We pay taxes and send our children to public schools,” said 31-year-old Jose Serapio of Los Angeles, a janitor in a downtown office building. “We contribute to society and should be rewarded.”

Serapio, who also fought for increased wages with the union last year, immigrated from Mexico 12 years ago and has worked as a janitor for seven years.

“All I really want is respect,” he said. “At work I’m treated like a cleaning machine.”

Former mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa attended the rally to thank the Latino community for its support during the election and to applaud the increased turnout among Latino voters June 5.

“You are the future of this city,” he said. “Because of your blood and sweat every day, Los Angeles is on the verge of greatness.”