Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ End Janitor Exploitation and Abuse Act to Pave the Way for Fair Workload Standards is Signed into Law

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2364, authored by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley). This SEIU priority legislation will end the ongoing exploitation of janitorial workers by requiring the Department of Industrial Relations to develop recommendations for fair janitorial workload standards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers who served our communities were at high risk of contracting the virus. They kept our hospitals and grocery stores open, transportation systems operational, and public and workplaces clean. During this time, janitors were required to undertake unrealistic and unsafe workloads to keep public spaces and buildings safe and sanitized for everyone, and they stepped up big time. While other essential workers and first responders had their workloads return to preexisting standards following the pandemic, the workload for janitors has not reverted to post-pandemic levels largely because there are no workplace standards for the janitorial industry under existing law.

“From the streets of San Diego, Los Angeles, Bay Area to Sacramento, janitors across the state rallied behind AB 2364 to put an end to the exploitative, abusive, and unsafe working conditions. To these unsung heroes, your voices were heard! Thank you, SEIU and President David Huerta, for fighting to ensure that the Justice for Janitors Act was signed into law! It was not easy, but I am proud of our partnership and accomplishment for the labor movement,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

“As sponsors of AB 2364, we would like to thank Governor Newsom for listening to the strong voices of immigrant workers fighting for justice. Their bodies carry the burdens of painful injuries and lifelong disabilities after years of brutal workloads, but they have continued the fight for safety and dignity at work, taking one step forward at a time,” stated David Huerta, President of SEIU California and SEIU-USWW (United Service Workers West). “With AB 2364, California will commission a study on unsafe workloads in the industry, which will lay the groundwork for preventing the kinds of injuries the largely immigrant, janitorial workforce endures. Today, we celebrate our strong champion in Assemblymember Luz Rivas - and another victory for the groundbreaking Justice for Janitors movement.”

“I applaud the Governor for signing AB 2364 to establish a pathway towards safe workplace standards for janitors. Every single business in California relies on the janitorial workforce, yet they have been continuously treated as expendable and are not afforded the same workforce protections as other professions. Let there be no mistake - janitors keep our economy moving forward in California, and they deserve to be recognized for their contributions and protected from unfair working conditions,” concluded Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

SEIU President David Huerta (left) and Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (center), and SEIU and SEIU-USWW workers marching in Downtown Sacramento toward the State Capitol.

SEIU AND SEIU-USWW workers marching towards the State Capitol.

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, President David Huerta, Jose Medina (Senior Legislative Aide for Assemblywoman Luz Rivas), and SEIU and SEIU-USWW workers in the State Capitol after the bill passed out of Senate Labor Committee.