A group of around 100 janitors finished a nearly 100-mile trek on from San Francisco to Sacramento Friday, pressuring Gov. Jerry Brown to sign a bill they say will help protect them against sexual assault while working at night.
The bill builds upon prior legislation that requires janitorial employers to undergo sexual harassment and assault training, among other measures. Unlike traditional methods — such as watching an interactive webinar — this bill would require training be conducted by survivors of abuse who work in the industry.
Abigail Rodas, from Maywood, took part in the march and said she’s a victim of sexual assault. She said she finds inspiration in the female janitors she marched with, some whom are elderly or undocumented immigrants.
“Their resilience is contagious,” Rodas said. “It motivates you to keep walking, even though your feet hurts and there’s blisters. Your tired and you know you just keep going.”
The bill’s opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, say they fear peer-to-peer training will create duplicity and an unnecessary burden on employers.
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