March 26th, 2020
Hello, this is Juan Montana, Property Service Director at SEIU Local 105. The first thing I want to say is something that we all know in this union, but that people sometimes forget.
The people of Denver depend on you to control infections. You are the first barrier against disease because you clean every surface that people touch. Without the work you’re doing right now, this city would be in very serious danger.
Right now we’re all worried about our families. How do we protect them? Do we have enough food? What are we going to do if we don’t have more work?
It’s a very hard time and you should all be very proud of the work you’re doing.
One question we’re hearing a lot is that it’s going to happen if they close the building. Are you going to keep getting aid? Are you still going to have a job?
We have also heard that many of you are concerned because you do not know if there have been cases of the virus in your building or because you are given new materials that are very strong and make you sick.
These past weeks we’ve been talking to companies about possible closures, their security measures, and other matters.
Our union is here to help and support our members in this time of great crisis. These are some of the things we’re doing:
- 1. Organizers are calling the leaders to ask them how they’re all in the building and ask them to help us update all your phone numbers.
- 2. We have a line of attention to the members that many of you have already used. Call with your questions. The phone number is 303-727-8066. If you have not yet updated your number, if you want to make sure you receive calls, also call this line. The phone appears here on the screen for the rest of this video.
- 3. We will send updates and tips frequently by text message. If you have questions, you can answer that text and the organizers will answer you.
- 4. We have a coronavirus portal on our website. SEIU105.ORG, the address will also appear on the screen for the rest of this video. There you will find resources and information that can help you a lot. This page will be updated periodically.
Finally, I will continue to make updates on video where I will answer the questions that affect most and give important news.
As you know, the mayor of Denver ordered a curfew from Tuesday, March 25 at 5 pm. Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, and Jefferson announced that they will join the curfew from Wednesday, March 26 at 8 a.m.
This may mean that many buildings can temporarily close. Please call your supervisor if you want to find out if your building has been closed.
How are we going to fight together so that there is respect and dignity in these times of crisis?
As I mentioned at the beginning, many people forget that you are the first line of defense to control the virus. If a sick person touches a door and no one cleans it, the next person who walks in and touches the door is going to get sick.
We need to make sure everyone knows we’re here defending them from the virus..
That’s why I’m asking for a very simple action. Take a photo doing your job, entering the building or traveling on the bus. Send your photo to the organizers or call the member’s attention line. Also, put a small note on how each of you is doing your part.
These photos will help show the public, building owners and political leaders that your work is critical to keep Denver people safe!
The second thing you can do is make sure that all your peers update their phone number with the union and that they have the number for the member’s attention line. With the virus out there, we can’t march on the street or meet. But if we stay connected and knowledgeable, we can keep fighting together.
Please, stay safe, keep your head up and assert yourself at work!
From me and the whole team of the union, I tell you that we are very proud to work for you and that here we are here to support you and ensure that all together you can earn the respect, dignity, and security you deserve.
