Janitors to march against Alabama immigration law

Janitors and their supporters will march in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon to protest efforts in Alabama to restrict illegal immigration.

The march is one of many events this week, including an Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery, organized by Latino and African American activists calling for the repeal of HB 56, the Alabama law that seeks to crack down on illegal immigration.

The union that organized the march -- Service Employees International Union United Service Workers West -- represents predominantly Latino immigrant workers. It is in the middle of contract negotiations with a current agreement set to expire at the end of April.

The march will begin at noon at 5th and Flower streets and head through downtown to the Federal Building, organizers said.

"Our organization, SEIU, is front and center on this issue of immigration," said Vice President David Huerta. "We need to corral our voices, to stand against what’s happening in Alabama, which right now is creating fear and intimidation of the immigrant community."

The union represents tens of thousands of workers statewide, including many in the Los Angeles area.

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-- Paloma Esquivel