Sacramento, CA – Janitors here, the lowest–paid unionized janitors in the state, are fighting for livable wages and improved access to family health care. At the same time, they fight for a better future for their families, they face intimidation in the workplace from their supervisors. As a result, janitors have set a strike vote for Saturday, June 14, the day their contract extension runs out.

"I’m fighting for my three children," explains janitor Georgina Figueroa. "I just want to earn enough to afford a safer apartment for my family and health coverage so I don’t have to choose between taking children to the doctor and buying food. No mother should have to face that."

When asked about the potential strike, Georgina replies, "We have had enough of the pressure and threats from our bosses. Anything I have to do for my family, I will do."

The 2,000 janitors are employed by thirteen janitorial contracting firms who work in many of Sacramento’s largest buildings, subcontracted by some of the most profitable commercial real estate giants such as Hines, CB Richard Ellis, Buzz Oates and Jones Lang La Salle.

Janitors last went out on strike in 2003, many winning health coverage for the first time, but accepting some of the most extreme waiting periods to qualify for family coverage in the state – 2 ½ years, meaning that thousands of janitors’ family members receive inadequate care while taxpayers are often left with the bill. Since 2003, wages have fallen far behind union janitors in the rest of California. Unionized janitors in San Francisco earn $17 an hour, compared to $8.50 an hour in Sacramento

On Tuesday, janitors received a strike sanction from the Sacramento Central Labor Council, representing support from a collective 160,000 Sacramento–area workers and their families.

Janitors also visited the Sacramento City Council Tuesday, asking for their support, and a number of Council Members will pledge their support at today’s rally.