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.

Some motorists, upset by the blocked traffic caused by the demonstration, repeatedly honked their horns and expressed some frustration at union organizers, with some even leaving their cars to make their grievances known.

Seung Tong of Fountain Valley, waiting to pull on the 405 freeway on Bristol Street, said he had no idea what the demonstration was about.

“Can’t they let cars just cut through?” he asked through his car window. “I’m busy!”

Despite some concerns police aired about the crowd’s noise during the march — including drums, banged pots and pans, and assorted noise-makers — police reported no arrests or trouble at the event. The event elicited the coverage of about four cruisers, along with a police officer who videotaped protesters as they marched on the sidewalk.

An Irvine Co. spokesman said that labor negotiations are between janitorial service contractors and the union, and dismissed the union’s claims that the company holds influence over the deliberations.

Dick Davis, the bargaining coordinator for Orange County janitorial contractors, said he remained unconcerned about the protest or potential strike.

“Well, these are just demonstrations,” he said. “They are unpleasant, but people have the right to do that in America. The important point is, there is no work stoppage — they’re still going to work and cleaning the buildings — which is all we care about.

“You know, nobody wins in a strike — but usually, the workers lose more than management.”

For more photos of the protest, click here.

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at chris.caesar@latimes.com.