Janitors Protest Attacked by Securi

From: Worklife Education Resource Center <worklife> Subject: Janitors Protest Attacked by Security JUSTICE FOR JANITORS PROTESTERS ATTACKED BY SECURITY On Friday, July 2nd, members and supporters of SEIU Local 1877/Justice for Janitors tried to remind party-goers at William Wilson's "Viva Brasil" raffle of the conditions which janitors face due to Mr. Wilson's low-bid policy. They used non-violent, humorous tactics to draw attention to this usually unseen group of workers at the Oracle Corporation. They floated a symbolic cruise-ship, the SS Justice, into the lake in front of Oracle's buildings during the raffle and circulated fliers at the party. RACIST ATTACK As the protesters were all attempting to leave peacefully, the private guards (ironically called Diplomatic Security) singled out, detained, harassed, and attacked the Latino participants and a Latina photographer from the San Jose Mercury News. Every one of the white participants walked away undeterred and unquestioned. VIOLENT ATTACK The guards attacked the President of Local 1877, Mike Garcia, as he was attempting to leave the area. Two guards choked him, and pummeled him into the ground. One smashed Mr. Garcia in the face, drawing blood. Despite the fact that he was the victim of this senseless attack, Mr. Garcia was then arrested by the police. Does William Wilson think this is an appropriate way to respond to non-violent protest? If so, then it is not surprising that he is immune to the janitors' petitions about the unfair treatment that they face. DOES ORACLE TOLERATE THIS KIND OF RACISM AND VIOLENCE? Write and ask: James Abrahamson, Chairman of the Board jabraham@oracle.com SUPPORT JUSTICE FOR JANITORS For more information, contact: Justice for Janitors, c/o SEIU Local 1877 * 408-452-8515 186 E. Gish Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 worklife@igc.apc.org