INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Nearly 100 janitors and members of community organizations today rallied for good jobs for Indianapolis and protested the decision by the owner of Pan Am Plaza to eliminate good jobs for Indianapolis janitors.

With Indiana’s 10 percent unemployment rate higher than 2/3 of the nation, it is more important than ever that employers in our state preserve good jobs with benefits rather than undermining them. 

Good jobs are essential to reviving our struggling economy because two-thirds of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product comes from consumer spending, according to a recent federal government report. When working people make enough money to buy the things their families need, our economy is stimulated through increased consumer spending.

With their decision to switch to an irresponsible cleaning company, the owners of Pan Am Plaza not only cost six janitors their jobs, but also eliminated good jobs with benefits in favor of minimum wage jobs, to the detriment of our whole city.

“We’re all here to support the janitors in this building,” said Leticia Corona, a janitor at the National City building. “We fought hard for what we have and it’s important that they respect us.”

In 2008, Indianapolis janitors fought for and won the right to form a union and bargain a fair contract. The resulting agreement raised industry standards across the city and provided thousands of working people with a path out of poverty.

Prior to 2008, Indianapolis janitors made just over $5.00 an hour and received no benefits. With their hard-won union contract, the janitors were able to raise their wages, increase their hours of work, and secure a path to quality, affordable health care.