Workers protest over non-union janitorial services

KANSAS CITY, MO — A demonstration was organized last week by Kansas City Jobs With Justice to protest plans to hire a non-union janitorial company to maintain the upscale Briarcliff Village shopping center, according to the Kansas City Star.

ISS Facilities Services Inc., whose workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, was previously contracted to perform janitorial duties, the story stated.

The picket at Briarcliff lasted about 90 minutes and protesters distributed flyers touting the benefits of union labor, the story noted.

Aaron Jones, representative for SEIU Local 1, said: "There are 11 very reputable janitorial contractors that give their employees a voice in the workplace through union representation. These are not high-paying jobs, but in this economy, these people are entitled to a living wage and access to health care benefits."

Protesters were not demanding that Briarcliff renew its contract with ISS Facilities Services; however, they were urging the Briarcliff property manager to stay with a union cleaning firm, the story added.