Number
061553
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. D’AMATO, HAMILTON, MURPHY, DAVIS, BOHL, AND WADE
Title
Resolution supporting the right of janitors to organize into a labor union in order to improve their lives.
Analysis
This resolution supports the right of janitors to organize into a labor union in order to improve their lives due to the potential for union membership to increase wages and improve benefits and other conditions of employment.
Body
Whereas, Janitors in Milwaukee work for below poverty level wages, work part-time, have no health insurance and are therefore organizing a union to better their working conditions; and
Whereas, A worker’s right to organize is one of the basic freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and
Whereas, Milwaukee janitors, who clean millions of square feet of commercial property, continue to fight for the right to organize; and
Whereas, Union membership provides workers better wages and benefits, protection from discrimination and unsafe workplaces, while benefiting communities by strengthening tax bases, promoting equal treatment and enhancing civic participation; and
Whereas, Janitors are harassed, intimidated, coerced and even fired just for exercising or attempting to exercise their right to organize; and
Whereas, When building owners and janitorial employers violate the right of workers to form a union, everyone suffers because wages fall, race and gender pay gaps widen, workplace discrimination increases and job safety standards disappear; and
Whereas, Most building owners and janitorial contractors’ violations occur behind closed doors; and
Whereas, A janitor’s fundamental right to choose a union is a public issue that requires public policy solutions, including legislative change; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council supports the right of janitors to organize into a labor union and calls upon Milwauk...
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