   |
||
| Issue No 77 |  |
10 November 2000 |
|
|
|
InternationalUS Cleaners Fast for JusticeBy Andrew Casey
Talks between striking janitors and the cleaning contractors who employ them resumed on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut.
"We hope the cleaning contractors are prepared to negotiate seriously today," said Kurt Westby, president of SEIU Local 531 which represents the janitors. "Every day without an agreement, janitors face a daunting task -- putting food on the table on poverty wages." The janitors began striking October 2 to protest unfair labor practices. The SEIU cleaners plan a new round of street protests if talks don't produce a contract that lifts the cleaners out of poverty, Kurt Westby said. An earlier story about start of this US cleaners hunger strike appeared on this website in October. Click here to read The striking is affecting commercial office buildings in five major cities and towns in Connecticut. Janitors are seeking living wages, affordable health insurance, and more full-time work opportunities. The strikers have won overwhelming public support for their campaign to escape poverty. Four state legislators showed their support for janitors by conducting civil disobedience outside the Stamford Train Station. The legislators stopped traffic by sitting down in the streets. Members of Connecticut's Fairfield County clergy staged a sit-in at GE Capital's offices in Stamford where janitors are on strike. Janitors across the country are aiding the Connecticut strikers. Janitors contributed nearly $A 1 million to the strike fund. In addition janitors, in cities outside the strike affected areas, who work for the same cleaning contractors, have said they are prepared to walk off the job in support of the striking cleaners if an agreement isn't reached soon.
|
   US Election: Democracy Version 1.0: Time for an Upgrade AmericaThis week the world's greatest democracy is looking pretty rickety. Michael Gadiel reports from the front line. Interview: Crikey! A Corporate CommandoHe may be a lapsed Lib, but Stephen Mayne is making life hell in the boardrooms of corporate Australia. And he might have some clues for unions too. Unions: Class of 2000 Hit RedfernThey're just out of acting school and straight into the union. Tomorrow's stars and today's union members. International: US Cleaners Fast for JusticeTalks between striking janitors and the cleaning contractors who employ them resumed on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. History: Racing RadioThe Cup is over, but the races go on, and so does Labor council's radio station, 2KY, as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Legal: A Pandora's In-BoxScreening of employee's emails could be in breach of telecommunications laws, according to Minter Ellison lawyer Megan Dixon. Satire: Our Snobs Are TopsTony Moore on why the lucky country has always been a tosser�s paradise. Review: Brassed Off With a Tutu Billy Elliott, currently a hit at the box office, gives a new twist to the working class rags to riches story.
Notice Board View entire latest issue
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
![[ Home ]](/images/nv_home.gif){kind=small} ![[ Notice Board ]](/images/nv_board.gif){kind=small} ![[ Search ]](/images/nv_search.gif){kind=small} ![[ Previous Issues ]](/images/nv_previous.gif){kind=small} ![[ Latest Issue ]](/images/nv_latest.gif){kind=small} |
|
|
|
|
© 1999-2000 Labor Council of NSW LaborNET is a resource for the labour movement provided by the Labor Council of NSW URL: http://workers.labor.net.au/77/c_historicalfeature_fast.htmlLast Modified: 15 Nov 2005 [ Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | Credits ] LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW |
|
![[Workers Online]](/images/logo_small.gif){kind=logo}
![[Social Change Online]](/images/sco_logo.gif){kind=logo}