Janitors march for wages

http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2007-6-16-061607-janitors

Saturday Jun 16

Janitors march for wages

People protest against economic disparity

Bay City News
Hundreds of janitors, security and food workers marched down Palo Alto's University Avenue on Friday to demand higher wages, better health care and to draw a comparison between service workers and the high-tech companies they work for.

As part of International Justice for Janitors Day workers, supporters and families gathered at the corner of Bell Street and University Avenue in East Palo Alto carrying signs that read "Justice for Janitors'' and "Not just survive ... thrive.''

Miguel Dominguez, an employee of Hewlett-Packard, addressed the crowd with a bullhorn saying in Spanish that he came here for a better life but can't afford to buy a computer for his family made by the company he works for.

Service Employees International Union organizer Andrea Dehlendorfer argued against the gap in quality of schools in East Palo Alto and their counterparts in Palo Alto.

After hearing from East Palo Alto City Council Member Ruben Abrica, other workers and Dehlendorfer, the group of mostly Hispanic workers marched down University Avenue, crossing over Highway 101, the symbolic divide between East Palo Alto and Palo Alto.

On one side of Highway 101 are liquor stores and gas stations while on the other side, in Palo Alto, lush gardens and large homes contrasted with marchers who earn barely more than minimum wage.

FULL story at link.