2015 International Justice Day promises to be largest ever
This year’s International Justice Day for Cleaners and Security Guards is a special one. It marks the 25th anniversary since the Justice for Janitors strike in LA, when janitors striking for decent pay and working conditions were assaulted by police. Since then, Justice for Janitors has grown into International Justice Day and developed a global appeal with unions from over 50 countries planning actions this year on every continent.
International Justice Day is an annual event of the UNI Property Services calendar and celebrates and commemorates the struggles of cleaners and security guards around the globe. Actions kick off in Australia including a 24 hour strike at the national parliament in Canberra and tens of thousands of people are expected to participate worldwide.
Head of UNI Property Services Alice Dale said, “International Justice Day has a long tradition of recognising the struggle but also the victories of cleaners and security guards throughout the world – 25 years of the fight to improve workers’ lives.”
Although it has been 25 years since the original Justice for Janitors campaigns, the struggle for fair and decent work still continues. Security guards working for the Spanish security firm, Prosegur, have been facing unrelenting anti-union behavior and human rights abuses in Latin America. It’s a critical time to support our comrades in their struggle for justice. This act of solidarity is appreciated by all of us at UNI and the workers and trade unionists who are under attack every day.
Regional Secretary of UNI Americas Adriana Rosenzvaig said “Prosegur should recognise that their long-term prosperity is linked to the treatment of their workers. This company will not succeed if basic workers’ rights are not respected in every country they operate in.”
If you haven’t planned your event yet, it’s not too late. Your Union can participate in a number of ways:
- Take photos with the yellow glove and the Prosegur poster (attached) with staff, activists and workers!
- Hold an event for cleaners and/or security guards this week – give out information, hold a demonstration, mass meetings
- Get prominent people and politicians to speak about the issues for cleaners and guards in your country
- Issue press statements
- To take a photo in solidarity with Prosegur workers in Latin America, hold the attached Prosegur poster (available in English, Spanish and Portuguese) with your union’s staff, activists and members at your IJD event
Photos of the yellow glove, Prosegur poster or your event can be posted directly to the Facebook page below.