By Chris Janiec

In recognition of their support in this fall’s janitor’s strike in Boston, Northeastern University’s Progressive Student Alliance (PSA) will be presented with an award from Jobs with Justice. The award will be presented at Jobs with Justice’s annual dinner on Thursday, March 13, in Revere, Mass.

After their contract expired on August 30, 2002, Boston’s janitors, numbering at about 11,000, insisted that improved wages and health coverage be included in a new contract. After a month of negotiations led to a stalemate, the janitors began a strike that would last 24 days. During that time the janitors were supported by a wide coalition of students, property owners, religious leaders, members of the community, city councilors, and the mayor.

“As one of Boston’s biggest property owners, Northeastern had an important role during the strike,” said Lara Jirmanus, a full time staff member of Jobs with Justice. “The dedicated support of the PSA made a huge difference there.”

This is not the first time PSA’s efforts during the strike have been recognized. They were also given an award by the janitor’s union, SEIU 254, in October of 2002.