“These negotiations represent a real opportunity to begin the process of ending the economic segregation in Indianapolis which has been a barrier for thousands of workers to enter the middle class,” says Darren Cushman-Wood, senior pastor of Speedway United Methodist Church.
It seemed like a long time coming, but for janitors in Indianapolis, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. For the past three years, local custodians have been fighting for issues such as fair wages, affordable health care, and more working hours.
Instead of accepting what was given to them, over 1,500 Indianapolis janitors united with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
But before taking steps to fight for what janitors believe to be fair, life was increasingly difficult for those who are considered the working poor. Through low-offer contracts, according to a recent release, janitors cleaned the buildings of some of the largest companies in Indianapolis who bring in over $1 billion a day.
Currently janitors work four to six working hours a day receiving pay between $6 and $7.50 an hour with no affordable health care.
In hopes for change, the janitors’ fight is two-fold. They are asking their direct employers to raise the bar in how employees are treated and asking the businesses and organizations who seek their services to make higher offers in contracts making it possible for employees to receive better wages and benefits.
“I’ve been in the janitorial business for over 30 years. Until this point, I really saw no future in it. I was always looking for a better day,” said Harry Webster, a janitor and one of several Indianapolis SEIU members seeking negotiations with some of the city’s largest cleaning companies such as American Building Maintenance (ABM), Group Services France (GSF) and Mitch Murch Maintenance Methods (4M).
Now that local janitors finally have their foot in the door, they hope to come to a level of understanding.
“This is about establishing a dialogue with the contractors. We want them to understand what we are trying to negotiate in the contract,” added Webster.
Janitors have not been alone in their fight. Other organizations such as the Indianapolis Clergy Committee have been giving their time and dedication to going in and talking with the contractors and the owners of the buildings that hire the contractors.
Some building owners have been receptive to the janitors’ plight while others have been less welcoming.
“People should know how little the janitors make. Even if they’re working full time, it’s difficult to support a family. We all say we want to see people working and not on welfare. Then pay them a decent wage and not the smallest we can get by with,” said Rev. Kate Cullinae, member of the Indianapolis Clergy Committee.
With janitors and their supporters facing victories and obstacles over the past few years, custodians are now able to negotiate the true meaning of equal opportunity and are proud they have not given up.
“We have families to take care of so we have to do what we have to do. That doesn’t mean it can’t get better. We’re ready for the challenges we’re facing, but I think we will overcome and get the contract,” said Stacy Harris, janitor.
“Someone needs to do this job; they need us,” added Carla Head, another negotiating janitor.
For more information, call Justice for Janitors at (317) 517-7494, e-mail lmendoza@seiu3.org or visit www.threecitiesonefuture.org.
