Twin Cities janitors rally for greener jobs

Twin Cities janitors rally for greener jobs

By Brittany Falkers

            Twin Cities janitors launched a campaign Saturday aimed at making their jobs "green," according to the WCCO News.

            More than 300 janitors and community members rallied and marched in downtown Minneapolis Saturday to push for a reduction of toxic chemicals in their workplaces and save energy - while making sure they have full-time jobs in their new contract, according to the Star Tribune.  

            They met at noon on Saturday at Block E in downtown Minneapolis.  Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison were scheduled to attended, according to WCCO News. 

            Javier Morillo-Alicea, president of Local 26 of the Service Employees International Union, told the Star Tribune, "We know that conservation is key for our children and grandchildren to inherit a livable world."

            SEIU Local 26 represents more than 4,000 janitors who clean buildings in the seven-county metro area.  The union is preparing to bargain a new contract. The current contract expires Dec. 31, the Star Tribune said.