Janitors March for Justice!

Dozens of St. Louis area residents joined janitors in favor of a unionization effort yesterday in Clayton.

The demonstrators, some clergy, some members of the union Service Employees International Union, and some employees of local non-profits, gathered on Bonhomme Street in the afternoon. The demonstration took place in Clayton because janitors who work for contracting companies that perform work in Clayton have shown an interest in joining SEIU. It represented a kickoff for the effort.

Charles McCory, a graduate student/graduate worker and an SEIU member, attended the demonstration.

“For me, union labor is about supporting fellow workers in all fields,” McCory said. “It doesn’t matter weather its janitorial, graduate workers, or food service. I’m out here supporting janitors because they’ve supported out actions; we all have to stand together.”

Gregory Minnis, a janitor and SEIU member who works for a janitorial contracting company, said the demonstration was about building a future – higher wages and better benefits – for SEIU members.

The demonstrators carried flags that said “raise America with good jobs,” “good jobs,” and “jobs with justice.” They marched south on Bemiston toward Shaw Park Drive and then turned around marched north on Bemiston back to Bonhomme Street. During the march, they chanted “we are the union, the mighty union,” “this is what democracy looks like,” and “dignity, respect, and put 15 on our checks.”

Minnis, a resident of St. Louis, took time to address the crowd.  He said that many in our country see janitors as the lowest on the totem pole. The crowd responded with “that isn’t right!”

“Janitors should be paid good wages,” he said. “They should have a good voice and a union. They should have benefits, respect, and dignity. We need a raise and we need benefits! We need to stick together and fight as one!”

Geraldine Spencer, also a janitor and a resident of St. Louis, participated in the demonstration for solidarity.

“I wanted to support my local union,” she said. “We have to earn the things that we need.”

The demonstrators continued to display their flags and chant as they walked eastward down Bonhomme Street. Cody Burleson, an organizer for the non-profit Jobs with Justice, participated in the march. He said the goal of the effort was simple – all janitors in St. Louis should have unions.