Janitors protest for talks

Several hundred janitors and their supporters marched up Bristol Avenue and Anton Boulevard today, occasionally blocking traffic and chanting “huelga, huelga, huelga” — or “strike, strike, strike” in Spanish.

The rally started at noon and lasted for nearly two hours in the area near South Coast Plaza. The janitors, represented by the Service Employees International Union, called on the Irvine Co. to employ its clout with local janitorial contractors and help negotiate a new contract for the workers, some of whom make less than $8.50 an hour.

The janitors’ last collective contract expired on April 30, prompting the unions to authorize their leaders to call a strike.

The move was also endorsed by the Orange County Labor Federation, meaning nearly 140,000 workers across Orange County — including UPS workers, trash collectors and other laborers — will not cross the janitors’ picket lines.

The demonstration followed a walkout by Los Angeles janitors also represented by the Service Employees International Union Thursday, though Orange County janitors have yet to stop working.

While the Los Angeles janitors were back to work Friday during a “cooling-off” period brokered by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, union spokeswoman Gina Bowers indicated that an Orange County strike was “likely on the horizon” in the coming days.

“This is about raising awareness that these janitors really do contribute to the economy of Orange County by keeping these buildings clean and open for business, while they are being paid wages that keep them in poverty,” she said. “We’re demonstrating to call into question: What future does Orange County have if people work full time and can’t live here and raise their families?”

Celsa Romero, a Santa Ana janitor who brought her two young children, Anthony and Lisamarie, to the protest in Costa Mesa, said she felt “great” demonstrating for higher wages.

“I just want a better wage, and better living, for my family,” she said. “That’s what I’m standing for.”

Lidia Hernandez, who said she was also marching on behalf of her family, said she had four kids to support at home on an income of $8.35 an hour.

“I want to be paid more money for my family, and to help my husband,” she said.