Tent City, three-day fast, candlelight vigil and massive rally highlight intensive week of action telling JP Morgan Chase to "stop the layoffs"

Century City, CA - Today (Tuesday 8/24) at 2:00 p.m. janitors who clean JP Morgan Chase-owned Century Plaza will put up a tent city outside 2000 Avenue of the Stars, one of the glitziest addresses in Los Angeles, kicking off a week of ramped-up protests in support of recently laid-off janitors.

After receiving $95 billion in federal taxpayer-funded bailout money, JP Morgan Chase paid out more than $9 billion in executive bonuses last year, averaging $379,000 for many top executives. Now, JP Morgan Chase is seeking to cut costs on the backs of the lowest paid workers in their buildings--the janitors who sweep up after them.

Workers will engage in an intensive week of action - including a three-day Fast for Justice, candlelight vigil and massive rally - to fight for the jobs that our cities need.

"Where do you draw the line? When do we say enough?" said David Huerta, Vice President of United Service Workers West, a local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). "This is what is wrong with our economy: a company thinks nothing of eliminating jobs to save pennies while doling out $9 billion in bonuses. This is bigger than JP Morgan Chase, it's bigger than the 19 janitors who sparked this fight; it's about standing up and fighting for what is right and what's good for our country."

Two weeks ago, custodial contractor ABM laid off 16 janitors who clean Century Plaza, owned by JP Morgan Chase and home to some of the richest tenants in Los Angeles. Already struggling in a tough economy, the hardworking families affected by the layoffs are desperate, with no way to pay rent or put food on the table. In protest, 57 of their co-workers at Century Plaza spontaneously walked off the job. Those workers, who are not on strike, were suspended and are still out of work.

JP Morgan Chase is one of the largest banking and investment companies in the nation and the largest mortgage lender and holder of foreclosed properties in LA County, owning a total of 85,626 foreclosed homes in the area.

Schedule of Events for the Week

Tuesday, August 24
WHAT: Tent City and Fast for Justice
WHEN: Tuesday, August 24 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
WHO: 75 janitors and community leaders including Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Maria Elena Durazo
VISUAL: Tent city, clergy-led last meal for janitors participating in the fast
NOTE: Fasting janitors and supporters will be at 2000 Avenue of the Stars around the clock during the three-day fast. Please contact Jacob Hay at 310-855-2640 or jacob.hay@seiu-usww.org to make interview arrangements.

Wednesday, August 25
WHEN: Wednesday, August 25 at 1 p.m.
WHAT: Community Supporters' Rally with Fasting Janitors
WHERE: 2000 Avenue of the Stars

WHEN: Wednesday, August 25 at 10:15 p.m.
WHAT: Candlelight vigil for laid off janitors
WHERE: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
VISUAL: Workers holding candles while singing and praying.

Thursday, August 26
WHAT: Massive March and Rally that could lead to civil disobedience
WHEN: Thursday, August 26 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 2000 Avenue of the Stars

Friday, August 27
WHAT: Janitors and their supporters end fast
WHEN: Friday, August 27 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
VISUAL: Clergy-led breakfast for janitors. Supporters donating food baskets so laid off janitors can feed their families.

SEIU United Service Workers West represents more than 40,000 janitors, security officers, airport service workers, and other property service workers across California. SEIU is the largest and fastest growing union in North America, with more than 2 million members.

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