Power from the Past

Memory Work Research Initiative

Justice for Janitors Pasadena Convention

Justice for Janitors Pasadena Convention
On Dec. 10, 1994, Local 399 hosted a statewide convention in Pasadena, where they launched their "April One" ("One Industry, One Union, One Contract") campaign. After the convention, they held a march and rally near Pasadena City Hall. SEIU-USWW (Justice for Janitors) Collection, IRLE Archives.

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On Dec. 10, 1994, Local 399 hosted a statewide convention in Pasadena, where they launched their “April One” (“One Industry, One Union, One Contract”) campaign. The campaign took its name from the expiration date of their existing contract and announced the Justice for Janitors campaign’s intention to expand their organizing across L.A. county. Just a few months later, they waged a city-wide strike and won a first of its kind contract covering janitorial workers in buildings across Los Angeles.

Pictured above: After the convention, Justice for Janitors held a march and rally near Pasadena City Hall. From Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Service Workers West (USWW) records, circa 1935-2008 (LSC.1940), UCLA Library Special Collections.

Three Asian American holding picket signs at a demonstration. The tall man on the right wears sunglasses and a suit and tie. They carry pickets reading "April One" and "L.A. Should Work for Everyone"
UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong joins union supporters during the April 1995 janitors’ strike.