community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
SEIU Downtown Picket/Rally Friday
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
Union members and supporters picket and rally downtown on Friday, January 23rd, to show support for union workers who were terminated unfairly.
Despite wind chill making the weather feel colder than -10 degrees Fahrenheit, over 200 people gathered outside of Center City Tower, located Downtown on 650 Smithfield Street, to express their solidarity for the nine union janitors who were fired unfairly.
Management and the union had negotiated a contract last fall that included healthcare for the families of janitors. However, the building's owners recently switched from the union subcontractor to a non-union one who was unwilling to recognize the negotiated agreement for healthcare, leaving the janitors without affordable healthcare for themselves and their families.
These janitors were subsequently terminated for union activity, and the union has filed a lawsuit on their behalf. Management called the police on picketers Thursday and had them arrested for trespassing, but on Friday the unions succeeded in turning out significant numbers.
Drivers honked their support and SEIU members passed out literature to residents of City Towers. After the crowd had warmed up in spirit, if not literally, speakers took the stage. An SEIU chaplain, a janitor who was fired after working in the building for a quarter of a century, union leaders, and a building tenant all came together and shared the microphone with one common message: This campaign will not cease until there is justice for all janitors!
Labor activists confront harsh weather
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
We support our Janitors!
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
Bass drumming for Justice!
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
They say cut back: We say fight back!
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
imgp0513.jpg, image/jpeg, 600x669
Fired after 25 years of service in the same building...
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
Union employees address the crowd
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
The crowd huddles in to stay warm and hear the speakers
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
Fired for "Union Activity" (Pictured left)
by Danny P
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM
dannyp@indypgh.org
![[masthead]](/images/masthead_140.png)