Over a thousand janitors, security officers and supporters marched together in San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento and Los Angeles. Members of SEIU United Service Workers West stood shoulder to shoulder with security officers who are working to form their first unions in San Diego and San Jose.

California janitors and security officers are working to raise standards in their industries by forming unions, winning stronger contracts, and advocating for protections across the board.

A new report by researchers at the University of California shows that nearly half of contracted security officers and janitors’ families rely on public assistance.

California’s subcontracted security officers are paid 18 percent less than those who are hired directly, and are less likely to have health insurance.

However, security officers and janitors who form unions are able to reverse the trend, earning more and garnering healthcare coverage for their families.

Black Californians are almost four times as likely to work as contracted security officers. Three quarters of contracted janitors were born outside the United States, and 82 percent are Latino. Security officers and janitors are standing together to improve their industries and raise up communities of color across the state.

See more from the Los Angeles Times and KQED.