Justice for San Diego Janitors!!!

Meredyth, this is great! Did you shoot and edit it too?
Well done. It's criminal that the janitors can barely cover their family expenses while they wipe up after these rich corporations. And the point is well made that when they can't afford health care because it's not in their contract, they rely on the state, going to the emergency room, etc. It's a situation that needs changing now.

Treatz-

I actually sent a shooter out on this and then cut it. More importantly though, it is criminal that these very hard working people have to choose between feeding their families, paying the rent, paying the bills etc etc the list goes on. One man made the heart breaking comment that he's not asking for much, "only enough to feed my family at least twice a day." This has to stop.

The janitors just picketed in front of my building. They blocked traffic in all four directions and backed up traffic for blocks for over 15 minutes. The people protesting did not appear to be working janitors, but random people they bussed in, slapped shirts on and handed signs. I have lost all respect for their cause. Here's a hint... if you want a higher paying job, try choosing something (anything) other than janitor.

I highly doubt "random people" were bussed in to pose as janitors. Striking workers organize to do things like block traffic because it is one of the only ways they can get people to pay attention to their struggle. It's too bad that you only "respect their cause" when it is not an inconvenience to you.

You fail to recognize the issues at stake as well as the simple fact that someone needs to clean these buildings.

If the folks who are janitors now quit, who do you think will clean the buildings? Should those people be mistreated, under-payed, and denied health insurance for their families?

Hard working people deserve a decent life.

Obama released this statement about the struggle in the Bay Area:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 23, 2008
Obama Press Office; (312) 819-2423

Obama Statement In Support of Striking Bay Area Janitors

Chicago, IL—Senator Obama today released the following statement in support of striking Bay Area janitors.

“As thousands of Bay Area janitors continue their courageous fight to win a higher standard of living for themselves and their families, I offer my support.”

“It’s thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of these workers—and union men and women before them—that we've made progress in the fight to ensure that every American has rights on the job and the chance to improve their lives.”

“The hundreds of mostly Latino janitors who walked off the job this week throughout the Bay Area took a stand against the unacceptable and ever-growing divide between the wealthiest and poorest among us—and they're inspiring other working people to do the same.”

“This week, when janitors traded their brooms for picket signs, they also sent a message about the urgent need for good-paying jobs with health care and dignity to ensure that families aren't just surviving, but thriving. By speaking out against the injustice of having to share a home with other families just to stay alive, these hardworking janitors are demonstrating their abiding faith in the power of hope—and paving the way for others around this country to follow in their footsteps.”

“It is my own hope that the employers in the Bay Area will take real responsibility for the kind of jobs that are offered within the confines of their offices and take swift measures to bring the janitors back to work.”

“Until they do, the Bay Area janitors will have my support.”