That applications for the National Bursary Program are still being accepted. / L’appel de demandes pour le Programme national de bourses d’études continue.
"Aujourd’hui, Slim Gedeon élève sa voix comme membre de la campagne nationale "De l’invisible à l’essentiel", exigeant, entre autres, une augmentation salariale de 2 $ par heure pour les concierges à travers le pays. Ces derniers, explique-t-il, sont eux aussi essentiels et "préparent le terrain" de la première ligne, en nettoyant et en désinfectant les aires de travail ou les résidences de tous."
“The pandemic really exposes the gaps in how essential work pre-COVID-19 is seen as invisible, but now the pandemic uncovers what’s underneath and what’s really holding the Canadian economy together."
"Invisible but essential, underpaid and overworked, they’re standing between you and COVID-19. And risking their lives."
On April 29th, Gary Burrill came out in support of more recognition and better wages for janitors. “The work of janitors and cleaners is at the foundation of our medical system. It’s the beginning place of our educational system, is the starting place of our governance system. And now we’re understanding in a new way it’s also at the foundation of our whole public health system. The work of janitors and cleaners is essential work, it’s necessary work"
Janitors at Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver are celebrating after achieving a successful union organizing drive and certification vote amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
Matt Green joins in the call to give justice to janitors: "Words alone will ring hollow if they are not backed up with action. As one of the country’s largest property owners, the federal government has the responsibility to ensure that janitors cleaning our buildings are bring paid a living wage, are working safely and have all the proper personal protective equipment in place."
Elected leaders are starting to publicly recognize need for Justice for Janitors, joining us in pushing for better wages and conditions for janitors across Canada
On April 17, Harden called for raises and protections for cleaners. “It’s been heartening in recent weeks to hear so many politicians and major public figures showing respect and solidarity for the frontline workers who keep us safe … Those words are great, but you know what? They’re also not enough."
Olga Da Cruz is a J4J member and leader. Last week she submitted a letter to CBC’s Sunday Edition in response to a recent episode.