Stamford's janitors take part in the 21st Annual Justice for Janitors Day on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

Alberto Bernardez leads the rally urging his fellow union members to remain united for better working conditions.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

There wasn’t much cleaning going on in Stamford at about 4 p.m. Wednesday because the custodians were having their annual Justice for Janitors Day rally in front of the Government Center. The janitors were showing their solidarity in wanting better working conditions.

“We need real changes in this country and need corporations to pay fair wages,” said Alberto Bernardez, an assistant supervisor of Service Employees International Union 32BJ.

About 50 SEIU members were at the rally, wearing purple shirts with the union logo. Every person had either a sign or a set of Thundersticks as Bernardez and other speakers told them the importance of being there. Many of the Spanish-speaking people in attendance chanted, “Sí se puede," or "Yes we can," throughout the event.

State Sen. Carlo Leone, D-27th District, urged the crowd members to stick together in their fight for fair and competitive wages and benefits. All that the janitors have accomplished has been because they have remained united, Leone said. “Remember, together we can accomplish anything,” he said several times, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Wednesday was the 21st Annual Justice for Janitors Day, which started after police attacked custodians holding a rally in California. Now, rallies are held throughout the country this week as the janitors show their unity.

“They were successful because all different people came together and said, ‘Enough is enough,'” Bernardez said. Several Stamford police officers showed up at the government center, but stayed in the background as the rally ended peacefully at 5 p.m.

Do you support the janitors in their call for better work conditions? Share your thoughts and opinions below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.