Janitors and supporters of Good Jobs Spokane will hold a rally today in recognition of Justice for Janitors (J4J) Day and to bring to light the unsafe working conditions they face nightly.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6, which represents approximately 3,200 janitors in King, Pierce and Spokane counties, said in a statement that the intensified workload being demanded of janitors is causing higher injury rates. According to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) more injury claims from janitors are accepted than from any other industry. Between 2003 and 2011 L&I accepted injury claims for janitors sustained by overexertion increased by 260 percent and the average compensable claim increased by over $10,000.
Today marks the 24th anniversary of Justice for Janitors Day. During the rally, Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart will officially recognize J4J Day and the efforts janitors have made throughout the country to raise the standards for all workers.
The rally will be at 3 p.m. at Cowley Park, 602 S. Division.
