Environmental groups pledge support for janitors’ campaign, possible strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4358

10 February 2010

MINNEAPOLIS - People who work in downtown office buildings don’t want to be exposed to toxic chemicals and support janitors who want to adopt “green” cleaning techniques, the leader of a major Minnesota environmental organization said Wednesday.

“We’re committed to connecting our members who work in these offices during the day with the janitors who clean them at night,” said Margaret Levin, executive director of the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.

“Many of our members work in these commercial office buildings across the Twin Cities, and property managers should expect to hear from their tenants who are Sierra Club members. We are just one of nearly a dozen environmental organizations in the Twin Cities that support janitors’ efforts and have pledged to support a strike if it is necessary.”


Margaret Levin, executive director of the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, addresses reporters at a news conference Wednesday. Behind her is Minneapolis City Council member Gary Schiff.


In contract negotiations, 4,000 janitors represented by Service Employees International Union Local 26 are asking cleaning companies to adopt green cleaning practices, including a transition to day shift cleaning. They say their proposals would save money and help the environment.

Bargaining is slated for Wednesday and Thursday, but has not gone well and the workers have authorized union leaders to call a strike if necessary.

At a news conference in Minneapolis City Hall, the union released a long list of people and organizations supporting the workers and their “Good Jobs, Green Future” campaign, including a number of public officials. In addition to Levin, speakers included Minneapolis City Council member Gary Schiff.

“This isn’t just about janitors – it’s about making our community a better, safer place to live and work,” he said. “It is no surprise that there are with us here today both labor unions and environmental organizations, since the need for good, green, clean energy jobs is one that we all understand.”

FULL story at link.