Statement For Tamil By Justice For Janitors

Justice for Impact Janitors Workers at Impact Cleaning Services are fighting to join Justice for Janitors. They face an employer who has structured the company so that many cleaners only get work if they become sub-contractors. In many cases workers receive no vacation pay, no EI, no CPP, no WSIB coverage and in some places receive less than minimum wage. By engaging in these practices Impact Cleaning Services is dragging down industry standards. Janitors in Toronto deserve more. In a city as wealthy as Toronto, no one deserves to be treated this way. Impact has contracts with some of the larger property owners in Toronto. Companies like Avison Young, Colliers, and Arcturus all have contracts with Impact where this subcontracting scheme is allowed to go on. There is no reason these wealthy companies need to cut corners by hiring companies like Impact. They too share a responsibilty to all the workers in their buildings. Support these workers by going to their website and sending messages to Impact and their clients that all workers deserve to be treated fairly.

Nagar worked for Impact. She quit after being told to clean office desks with a rag that had been used to clean bathrooms. She is still waiting to get her back pay.

“It is important that we put a stop to the exploitation that is happening in the cleaning industry. The sub-contracting situation is hurting our chances to make a better future. Together we must fight for change.” --Mohammed

“I have been with the company for 3 years and earn minimum wage, $8.75. We all know the bosses take advantage of us, which is why we must not be afraid and need to stick together to create better opportunities.” --Judice Janar worked for one of Impact Cleaning Services main sub-contractors. For no reason he was fired by Impact. Now he is owed over $3,000 by the sub contractor who refuses to return his calls.

“I work for IMPACT for minimum wage, $8.75. I have been with the company for 6 years. In that time I have only received two wage increases as a result of the minimum wage going up. I work two jobs, seven days a week, to make ends meet because we are not paid enough.” --Erika

for more information about justice for janitors go to:

www.negative-impact.org

Message of solidarity to the Tamil Community Dear friends and allies, Our union SEIU Local 2 was founded over 100 years to help working people stand up for their rights and end the abuses they face at work. Over those years our union has fought for the right of all people to be free from oppression and violence. SEIU Local 2 and Justice for Janitors is proud to work with The Canadian Tamil Congress and CanadianHART to fight for justice and dignity for Tamil Canadians. The situation faced by Tamils in Sri Lankan is horrific. The displacement of over 300,000 people, the bombing of civilians, and the suffering of Tamils must come to an end. Our union has many Tamil members, and we stand beside them and the entire Tamil community in these times of trouble and join your calls for justice and peace in Sri Lanka. By standing together we hope to play a role in building justice for Tamils in Toronto and in Sri Lanka. In Solidarity; Cameron Nelson, President, Service Employees International Union Local 2

Join SEIU -Join Justice for Janitors Many Tamils in Toronto work as cleaners. SEIU has been helping cleaning workers get justice and respect on the job. Justice for Janitors has helped workers improve wages, conditions and get respect at work. If you are a cleaner join SEIU - a union that fights for your rights at work and stands beside you in your fight for justice at home. Tamil members of Justice for Janitors at a union training meeting in Scarborough Call us and join the fight for a better future:

Call the union at 416-762-7477 ext 36 and ask for Ritch

www.justiceforjanitors.ca