Janitors to rally for justice

SEIU6 is celebrating janitors whose advocacy has built greater worker power in the region and lifting up a current campaign to protect workplaces and community from ICE overreach 

SEATTLE, WA (May 29, 2026) — SEIU6 Property Services NW is hitting the streets on Friday, June 12 for the annual Justice for Janitors rally, celebrating the storied legacy of janitors’ organizing and highlighting current campaigns to protect working people and build power. SEIU6 is comprised of 10,000 janitors, airport workers, and security officers in Washington state; the union was founded by janitors more than 100 years ago.

“Historically, janitors have been at the forefront of the labor movement,” said the union, announcing the rally in front of Seattle City Hall. “The path paved by janitors in organizing campaigns—including establishing the first $15 minimum wage in the country—has benefited workers in other industries.”

A significant focus of the June 12 action is to uplift janitors’ current campaign to protect their workplaces and the communities they serve from ICE. Janitors are engaging in actions this week, visiting owners of buildings they work in and sharing a letter urging them to adopt a safety plan developed with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

Illustration: SEIU6

From the letter: “Under the current administration, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is terrorizing and tearing families apart. The janitorial workforce has historically and continues to be comprised of immigrants, descendants of immigrants, and communities of color. ICE repeatedly demonstrates disregard for our civil rights when they force their way into homes and workplaces and detain people who have legal status. Our members are concerned about potential racial profiling and unlawful detainment by ICE.”

This mobilization and defense work continues the long tradition of janitors fighting for civil right protections that protect not just workers but the broader community. The BOMA safety plan contains measures designed to protect janitors, other workers in these buildings, and members of the public, recognizing that the presence of unaccountable, violent federal agents with a history of disregarding due process are a threat to the wellbeing of all.

“The health of our region’s economy is rooted in the wellbeing of the individuals who rise every day to keep our city clean, safe, and moving,” the letter states. “The Puget Sound will not cower to draconian tactics.”

The rally will also celebrate recent successes, like the contract janitors won in 2025 that secured annual wage increases and seniority pay, as well as a practice of sharing information with new hires about the power of their collective bargaining agreement and union representation. Security officers who are part of SEIU6 also recently secured a contract with pay increases nearly eight times greater than what management first offered.

Janitors will be joined by elected officials, like Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, as well as labor allies and community supporters.

TAKE A STAND: Join Janitors and allies on Friday, June 12 at 12pm in front of the steps of Seattle City Hall to honor and support proud and brave SEIU6 janitors.

For more information, reach SEIU6 at ravila@seiu6.org