Catherwood LibraryILR School

Justice for Janitors, a campaign within the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), has continued its success since its creation during a Pittsburgh janitor's strike in 1985. The campaign links the plight of workers to the concept of a wider social malaise and has sought and won the support of churches and other social organizations. Marick Masters, a professor with the Katz Business School at the University of Pittsburgh, noted that their tactics are reminiscent of class-oriented struggles during the 1930s in the steel and auto industry. They have also succesfully used modern corporate tactics like media blitzes, litigation, and pressure on a company's customers. Membership in SEIU, which has a large number of immigrant and minority workers, has increased 40% since 1985.