Dozens of St. Louis area residents joined janitors in favor of a unionization effort yesterday in Clayton.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Charles McCory, a graduate student\/graduate worker and an SEIU member, attended the demonstration.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, union labor is about supporting fellow workers in all fields,\u201d McCory said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter weather its janitorial, graduate workers, or food service. I\u2019m out here supporting janitors because they\u2019ve supported out actions; we all have to stand together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gregory Minnis, a janitor and SEIU member who works for a janitorial contracting company, said the demonstration was about building a future \u2013 higher wages and better benefits – for SEIU members.<\/p>\n
The demonstrators carried flags that said \u201craise America with good jobs,\u201d \u201cgood jobs,\u201d and \u201cjobs with justice.\u201d 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 \u201cwe are the union, the mighty union,\u201d \u201cthis is what democracy looks like,\u201d and \u201cdignity, respect, and put 15 on our checks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Minnis, a resident of St. Louis, took time to address the crowd. \u00a0He said that many in our country see janitors as the lowest on the totem pole. The crowd responded with \u201cthat isn\u2019t right!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJanitors should be paid good wages,\u201d he said. \u201cThey 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!\u201d<\/p>\n
Geraldine Spencer, also a janitor and a resident of St. Louis, participated in the demonstration for solidarity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to support my local union,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have to earn the things that we need.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 all janitors in St. Louis should have unions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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