UC San Diego, CA - Over 400 students, community members and janitors marched for living wages, respect for UCSD non-union janitors and the reinstatement of a recently fired pro-union janitor, Alejandra Rodriguez who had been working 2 jobs and 16 hours a day. One night after speaking up at a "captive audience" meeting (anti-union meeting sponsored by employers), the supervisor started yelling and threw her paycheck at her and called the UCSD police to escort her off campus.

UCSD non-union janitors are still paid poverty wages starting at $6.25 / hour with no benefits. UCSD sub-contracts to Burgesons and Merchants, contractors that disrespect workers and pay
poverty wages.

The march followed a live performace by OZOMATLI - an LA based Hip Hop and Latin music group - who invited students and janitors to speak on the janitors''struggle on stage. Aztec Dancers then led hundreds of marchers across campus to rally at the Physical Plant Services (PPS) Buildings and the Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs office, Steve Relyea. PPS and the Vice Chancellor make the final decisions on the university's contractors. UCSD students, Alejandra Rodriguez and union representatives spoke at the rally.

Currently, the Service Employees International Union Local 2028 has filed unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Bergesons to the federal government for unlawfully firing Alexjandra Rodriguez. UCSD SEJ will continue to organize and pressure the UCSD administration with petitions, endorsements, and delegations.

STAY TUNED -- THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES...