Spring Break
'Justice for Janitors' rallies for job security
Perry Robbin
Issue date: 10/31/08 Section: News
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Students, UConn janitorial staff, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ representatives and community members gathered at the field to begin the march. Close to 50 people were in attendance at the beginning of the rally, while organizers distributed flyers, circulated petitions, gave out hats bearing the union logo and began the march.
One of the flyers distributed at the field promoted a Saturday-night concert featuring rapper Immortal Technique, who will be performing to support the janitor's cause and will speak about Justice for Janitors. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and will be held at Dow Field.
The protestors had large signs reading "We Want Justice!" and "Justice Now!", and had a number of megaphone that they used to chant in both Spanish and English as the march moved from the field to the church.
The march slowed in front of UConn president Michael Hogan's office for a loud round of chants. Vocalizations of support were heard from the windows of buildings and from students walking by as the march proceeded to the church.
As the march reached its destination, supporters gathered on the green of the Storrs Congregational Church where students, janitors and union members gave short speeches.
Monica Castignoli, student advocate of the janitors and one of the march's organizers, said that Justice for Janitors was dealing with an important issue.
"Students need to get involved, students and the community need to know where tax dollars are being spent," Castignoli said.
Erin Chiaputta, who was gathering signatures for a petition, became involved because she knew UConn community members were and are being directly affected by the changes.
"UConn has a responsibility to the community," Chiaputta said.
Talking into a megaphone, UConn janitor Anthony Marcel spoke of the problems the removal of the jobs will have on janitors.
"Support me and the other union members so they don't get fired and so they can pay their mortgages and keep their houses," Marcel said.
Juan Hernandez, a union representative, reminded the crowd that the union and the janitorial staff had fought with the administration before and won. Hernandez said that without community support, and especially because of a proposed change in many janitorial shifts that would have them working from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m., the janitors would be invisible.
With 29 janitors gone, the remaining janitor will be required to work more to keep the university clean, Hernandez said.
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