John,

For over a decade, union and non-union workers in Minnesota have been coming together and coordinating how to win more family-supporting jobs, asking this important question: What could we win together?

This week, we’re putting that idea into practice.

Regardless of industry, race, or background, we’re showing the world what can happen when workers and community members fight alongside each other. Nearly 15,000 workers, in fact.

As a commercial janitor in the Twin Cities, this week I’ll be with teachers, city road, recycling and water treatment workers, nursing home workers, airport workers, and more to demand dignified jobs, well-supported schools, affordable stable housing, and a livable planet from our bosses and city leaders.

This country belongs to all of us. Hard-working Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous families who keep our economy going. We must first see each other as human beings, to be valued and deserving of respect. My oldest daughter, husband, and I were born in Colombia. We came here for a better future for all of us, and we work very hard.

Thankfully, as we saw during #SolidaritySeason, we know we can win when we stick together. For example, last year fast food workers in California showed their power and won a $20 minimum wage and a seat at the table. When we unite, we can demand rules that work for all of us.

I’m out here today fighting not just for janitors and not just for Minnesotans, but so all working people across the country can see the power we have through our solidarity.

 

Maria del Pilar Alvarez
Commercial Janitor
Shakopee, MN (Twin Cities suburb)

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