Blowing the whistle on anti-union intimidation

(3/2/2005) -- One hundred janitors, workers, community members and SEIU 49 members snaked from Waterfront Park toward 111 S.W. Columbia Avenue. The destination was the luxury office building owned by Melvin “Pete” Mark. Marchers chanted, “Janitors are under attack! What do we do? STAND UP—FIGHT BACK!” and “$26 a day? NO WAY!” The drum corps maintained the steady pace as the crowd blew whistles to call attention to Justice for Janitors. The fight against the janitorial contractor Servicemaster continues to heat up.

Jason Barber spoke to the crowd. He cleans the downtown office building and reported that he and coworkers were threatened and intimidated as they attempted to blow the whistle on poverty wages. A charge has been filed with the federal government alleging that Melvin Mark Companies attempted to silence Jason and his co-workers in their efforts to rise out of poverty.

Alice Dale, Executive Director of SEIU 49, addressed the crowd represented by the trades, religious leaders, nurses, city, county and state workers, retirees, students, social justice advocates, and SEIU members. She announced, “We’re here to blow the whistle on lawbreakers. This rich building owner needs to share their profits with those who work to keep these buildings clean and nice. The wages are so low that it’s impossible to pay for rent, buy food and stay healthy!”

David Ayala spoke at the end of the protest. He works with building janitors who want a voice on their job. He asked the crowd, “How many of you have been on strike? How many of you have tried to organize a union?” Several people raised their hands. His response, “Then you know how hard it is!” People nodded in agreement and blew whistles.

Call Melvin “Pete” Mark 503-223-4777. Tell him to respect the law and hire a responsible cleaning company.