PHOTOS: Janitors Rally and Risk Arrest to Fight for Fair Wages

Holding signs, beating on drums and chanting, hundreds marched through the streets of Back Bay in support of International Justice for Janitors Day, eventually taking over the intersection of Arlington and St. James Avenue in Boston.

Traffic backed up as they formed a circle between traffic lights, and Boston police showed up with a wagon, ready to make arrests. The protest ended peacefully with nobody going to jail, but the message was strong.

Rocio Saenz, President of SEIU Local 615 which represents 18000 property service workers in New England, spoke adamantly on behalf of janitors' rights. 

"Thousands of other workers around the country are coming together and celebrating, and they're pledging to continue to fight together to create the jobs we all need in our communities," Saenz said as the crowd cheered.

“What do we want? Good jobs!” protesters cheered as they marched down the street.

With similar rallies organized in Andover, Mass. and Rhode Island, June 15 marks the 10-year anniversary when thousands of janitors in the Boston region went on strike. Protesters supported the ongoing fight for janitor rights in Houston, TX. They began the march at 31 St. James Ave, where office park managers Capital Properties hired a private contractor that displaced janitors who have been working there for years.