Twin Cities janitors security guard union demand more protection from Covid-19
Minneapolis MN Aug 26 2020
Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, which represents over 8,000 janitors, airport workers and security officers, held a vigil on Monday to demand increased worker protections after union janitor Lorenzo Palma, 66, died earlier this month from Covid-19.
“Our members are put in harm’s way and bearing the brunt of this terrible virus,” said Local 26 President Iris Altamirano.
The union is asking for safe working conditions which includes protective equipment and safe chemicals, building reopening plans that cover social distancing and policies on visitors. And essential pay premiums, paid quarantine leave and access to vaccines and testing. At this point it’s up to each member to test themselves for Covid-19, according to Altamirano.
“Hardworking people have no choice but to go to work and be put in harm’s way, unlike white collar workers who can work remotely,” Altamirano said.
Although most SEIU members are working in empty offices, over 230 janitors and security officers have contracted Covid-19.
“It’s only going to get worse. We need more action from elected officials,” Altamirano said.
Palma’s youngest daughter, Sandra, said her dad was a worker his entire life.
“Most recently, he was more than a worker, he was classified an essential worker,” Sandra said via phone. “A front line worker who didn’t have any insurance through his company.”
Sandra said the family is struggling and was forced to start a Go Fund Me page to make ends meet.
Palma worked for Harvard Maintenance and cleaned the Ameriprise Building. He was a three-year member of SEIU Local 26, according to Altamirano. Palma is the second SEIU janitor to die from Covid-19, after Armano Solis, a janitor at U.S. Bank Plaza, died from Covid-19 in April.
Abdi Hayde, a security officer, said, “We can’t wait any longer. How many more janitors who work thankless jobs, and do hard work, do we need to lose?” he asked.
In June, SEIU Local 26 released the results of a survey of hundreds of members which found 73% of workers were nervous about going to work. Furthermore, 1 in 5 didn’t have gloves, 2 in 5 didn’t have masks and 45% reported receiving no training around Covid-19 protection.
The Business Journal reached out to Harvard Maintenance and BOMA Greater Minneapolis, which represents owners and managers of office buildings, but didn’t receive a response by the publication deadline.
