Dublin marks International Justice for Cleaners Day

» Mark Moloney

'Cleaners and janitors are one of the most marginalised sector of workers whose pay and conditions are constantly under threat'

CLEANERS, janitors and trade unionists took part in a colourful commemoration in front of the statue to trade union hero James Larkin on Dublin's O'Connell Street on Monday to mark International Justice Day for Cleaners.

The day is celebrated by trade unions throughout the world to remember an attack on 400 striking cleaners and janitors in Los Angeles on 15 June 1990.

The peaceful march in 1990 was demanding the right to union recognition was attacked by riot police in the Century City district, with 38 injured marchers arrested. Widespread public outrage at the attack saw a further 2,500 workers join in solidarity with the cleaners and janitors.

The protest ended succesfully with the workers winning the right to union recognition, a wage increase and health coverage.

SIPTU Sector Organiser Orlagh Fawl described the Dublin event as “a commemoration of legacy and hope for our members in the contract cleaning industry"

She says the event marks a new phase in SIPTU’s 'Fair Deal for Cleaners' campaign to protect pay and conditions throughout the contract cleaning sector.

Speaking at the event, Sinn Féin's Daithí Doolan told An Phoblacht:

“We've seen here in Ireland that cleaners and janitors are one of the most marginalised sector of workers whose pay and conditions are constantly under threat. So I'm delighted to be here today to show my solidarity and support for these workers.”

Sixth-class students from the Central Model School in Dublin sang trade union songs and traditional ballads and labour historian Francis Devine spoke at the event.