Los Angeles, Calif. – Janitors are planning to surprise members of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) tonight at the association’s Cinco de Mayo Party in Hancock Park.

Some building owners like Douglas Emmett, Blackstone, JP Morgan are earning some of the highest rental rates in the country, nearly double the national average, and yet they are trying to keep janitors in second class status. Building owners and their cleaning contractors are trying to keep hard-working janitors from achieving the American Dream of decent wages, family healthcare, adequate housing and respect.

JANITORS ON STRIKE
Janitors launched unfair labor practice strikes in strategic locations across Los Angeles County today after contract negotiations broke down early this morning. Janitors cleaning some of the most expensive commercial office property in the country are earning some of the lowest wages in the country among unionized janitors.

“Enough is enough, we are standing up for our rights and for all working people,” said Rosa Ayala, a janitor on the bargaining committee. “The decision to go on strike is not easy, but we are ready to do whatever it takes to win justice.”

IRRESPONSIBLE CLEANING CONTRACTORS
Irresponsible cleaning contractors have illegally tried to silence janitors who are standing up for justice, according to charges that the janitors’ union is preparing to file with the federal labor board against Able, ABM, One Source, DMS and others for intimidating, interrogating, harassing, threatening and retaliating against workers.