Watch a short video* documenting the June 15, 1990 incident

June 15th has been observed for 19 years in the U.S. as Justice for Janitors Day, a day when janitors and other workers who secure, clean, and maintain office buildings demonstrate for justice. The original Justice for Janitors Day was established after janitors in Los Angeles were beaten by police during a peaceful demonstration on June 15, 1990. The incident generated intense public outrage and resulted in the cleaning contractor recognizing the L.A. janitors in a union. In remembrance of that monumental day, SEIU janitors and supporters take action every June 15 in cities nationwide. This day is also observed around the globe as International Justice Day.

On Monday, SEIU Local 49 janitors held a rally and march in Portland in remembrance of Justice for Janitors Day and to send a message to Portland real estate interests that even in tough economic times, the men and women who keep the city's buildings clean expect their contract to be followed.

Last year, SEIU Local 49 janitors won a major improvement in their multi-employer union contract -- company-paid health coverage for their children. This July, the janitors are supposed to receive a $0.50 per hour raise in pay. Local elected officials Jeff Cogen, Multnomah County Commissioner; Sam Adams, Portland Mayor; and Nick Fish, Portland City Councilor, attended the J4J rally to echo the janitor's concerns that low-wage workers can't accept any steps backwards to help wealthy property owners balance their budgets.

Since 1985, more than 225,000 janitors in 30 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada have united through SEIU's Justice for Janitors (J4J) campaign.