body
WHEREAS, Rich Johnston’s pursuit of justice and equality started when he enlisted in the United States military as a Marine; and,
WHEREAS, Rich served his country honorably, he returned home and found gainful employment as a janitor working at the USX building headquarters of U.S. Steel in 1981 making Rich a member of SEIU Local 29; and,
WHEREAS, in 1985 a movement swept the nation when unscrupulous building owners tossed out hardworking union janitors and hired non-union janitors and Rich and hundreds of Pittsburgh Janitors endured an 18-month lockout where they braved cold winter nights, and hot summer days in their pursuit for justice; and,
WHEREAS, the Service Employees International Union dispatched all of its resources to Pittsburgh to wage a battle against these wealthy building owners leading to strategies and organizing tactics that included protests that now serve as the basis of SEIU’s organizational campaigns that have helped organize a million workers into good family-sustaining union jobs over the years; and,
WHEREAS, this movement sparked what is now known as Justice for Janitors, a day which is recognized every June 15 across the country and their courageous battle sparked similar movements in Los Angeles, Denver and Washington, DC; and,
WHEREAS, Rich’s passion and fight for workers to earn a living wage did not stop in Pittsburgh, but took him to campaigns and strikes in Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Columbus and Cincinnati; and,
WHEREAS, he worked tirelessly to get lawmakers into office that support working families on the local, state and federal level; and,
WHEREAS, every crusader needs a life partner by his side, it was as a union volunteer in the 2000 Presidential election Rich met his future bride. He took a break in the fight for justice, not once but twice to marry his lovely wife, Pamela Rahl Johnston, who fights by his side bettering the lives of Pittsburghers; and,
WHEREAS, Rich has never turned away from a fight, he is credited for being ingenious in constructing materials, banners, props and new methods of protest to garner attention to the struggles of working people in their efforts to have a better life; and,
WHEREAS, for 37 years Rich generously shared his knowledge from the years as a shop steward, organizer and field representative with new members to the union; and,
title
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes Rich for helping thousands get good union jobs in various industries from commercial office cleaners, security officers, food service workers, and school employees throughout Pittsburgh; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, March 27th, 2018, to be “Rich Johnston Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.