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WHEREAS, our country today faces a jobs crisis and an unprecedented attack on the middle class, and it is the responsibility of elected officials in all levels of government to work towards a just and sustainable economy; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Labor Movement has always played a significant role in our city's history and success; and
WHEREAS, a strong economy is based on a diversity of industries and fair wages for all workers; and
WHEREAS, 60,000 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ are in contract negotiations in major cities across the Northeastern United States with the multi-billion dollar commercial real estate industry, and are striving to maintain their standard of living; and
WHEREAS, union janitors earn family-sustaining wages, enabling them to provide for their families, offer stability in their communities, and contribute to the health, wealth and welfare of our city; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2011 in Philadelphia, and over the coming weeks in Pittsburgh and throughout our region, the members of SEIU Local 32BJ will rally for good jobs and strong communities; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh City Council recognizes the significant role that middle-class and low-wage workers play in the City of Pittsburgh, strengthening our economy, providing tax revenue, and delivering much-needed services; and
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does, hereby, stand with the janitors of SEIU Local 32BJ as they rally in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to maintain middle-class jobs in the service sector, and to make the American Dream possible for thousands of people in our region.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does, hereby, proclaim Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, to be Good Jobs, Strong Communities Day in the City of Pittsburgh.