Dozens of migrants who work as janitors in offices in South Florida, marched in downtown Miami to demand better salaries.
After a practically unanimous vote, the mayors agreed to let the leaders of their union call a strike if necessary, all to demand a more decent salary and better working conditions.
Among workers’ demands are higher wages, more full-time positions, more vacations and paid time off.
Due to the type of requirements they entail and the low salary, jobs as a janitor are one of the primary livelihood options for recently arrived migrants, especially those who do not speak English, as it is one of the easiest to obtain.
During the demonstration in downtown Miami, many signs could be seen in Spanish, calling for “justice” and “fair wages.” Some of the protesters carried white roses, as a symbol of peace and equality.
The demonstration took place this week in the commercial district, where the offices that many of them clean are located.
A group of mariachis accompanied the protesters, representing the fighting spirit of South Florida cleaners with songs that included strong messages such as: “Leave the mapo and the broom, it’s time to fight (…) against the bosses.” “We are going to get up.”
The protesters are part of 32BJ SEIU, a janitorial union that formally organized in South Florida in 2021 and represents around 1,500 workers who provide services in almost 80% of the buildings in downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale .
It should be noted that the majority of the union members are immigrant women from different nationalities, mainly from Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti.
“I think we are all in the same situation. We are immigrants, who come from our countries for the American dream,” commented the union leader, Vanesa Gándara.
The current agreement with more than a dozen contractors and companies expires this week, so the union resumed negotiations this Tuesday, February 27.
According to a report published in January by 32BJ SEIU, which analyzed data from the federal government, at a total of $13.32 per hour, salaries for janitors in the Miami metropolitan area are the lowest among several metropolitan areas in the United States. .
Protest broke out earlier this evening in favor of South Florida janitors strike🪧👀| #ONLYinDADE
*🗞️ South Florida janitors voted in favor of authorizing a strike, potentially impacting the cleaning services for 77% of downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale office buildings. With… pic.twitter.com/7xSFNNz4qE
— ONLY in DADE (@ONLYinDADE) February 22, 2024
#Migrant #janitors #protest #Miami #salaries
