As part of its campaign of intimidation, the university went to court to try to stop a June 20 demonstration in support of the janitors' fight for a union.

However, a U.S. District judge denied the request for a restraining order and the rally proceeded.

More than 50 people showed up, including janitors and other Catholic University workers, union activists from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representatives from other unions, as well as a number of Catholic University students.

"We're going to be here. We're not going to be intimidated!" said Mary Carroll in an interview. Carroll, who is Black, has worked seven years as a housekeeper at the university. "All we want is a union. People are working with no health insurance." Several of her Latino co-workers face daily harassment. "No one should have to go through scare tactics," she said.

Carroll explained that the majority of her co-workers signed petitions choosing to be represented by SEIU Local 82.

"The more they do this, the more the university will listen," said James Terrell, one of a number of power plant engineers who came to support the janitors. The Catholic University power plant workers are represented by SEIU Local 99 and will soon be facing contract negotiations, according to Terrell.

"It's unfair the janitors don't get paid what they should. The supervisors are harassing them and there's nothing they can do," said Jennifer Wiezalis, a 19-year-old Catholic University student who was explaining why she and several other students turned out to support the union recognition fight.

Another fight by janitors in this area for union recognition is being waged by B&G janitorial workers who clean the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

When a delegation of mostly Latina workers decided to go to their boss to demand a union and better working conditions, all who participated in the delegation were fired. These workers and supporters have been organizing picketing in front of their workplace.  
 
 
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