Statement from the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

October 22, 2002

The Boston janitors' strike calls on us as a society to begin to take concrete action to close the shameful and growing gap between the rich and poor in the United States. For three weeks, we have witnessed a great deal of courage and commitment by janitors on strike to gain health insurance, more hours, and better pay. Our voices have joined those of many others calling for an agreement that is equitable and fair, that is both just and sensible.

Now, there is one.

Cleaning contractors representing more than 20 percent of the janitors have signed an agreement that would:

• Turn 1,700 part-time jobs into 1,250 good full-time jobs with health insurance. The transition would happen gradually by attrition, so there would be no layoffs. Those janitors wishing to continue working part-time would be able to do so.
• Provide significant wage increases for all of Boston's janitors, not just for a select few. By the end of the agreement, wages for all Boston janitors would increase to $12.80 an hour -- a 29 percent increase for part-timers and a 26 percent increase for full-timers.
• Provide educational opportunities for janitors, including English classes and job skills training.

The quality of life of the poorest in society is a judgment upon the richest. As people of faith, and with all of the people of faith in the Commonwealth, we offer our prayers for all who are suffering during this strike and we call on Boston's cleaning contractors who have not already signed the agreement to do so now. We also call on the Maintenance Contractors of New England to vote on the current agreement. It is the right thing to do - for the janitors, and for Boston.

• Back to Justice for Janitors Statement

Unitarian Universalist Association
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