This came across my desk and is worth noting: a group of janitors is fasting literally on the freeway on-ramp of a strip mall in an all-white, wealthy suburb outside of Boston. It’s a five-day, water-only fast to protest alleged sexual misconduct and other charges at Burlington, Mass.-based Gutierrez Co. Here’s what the union sent me:

Surrounded by members of the Burlington community, clergy and other supporters, several janitors began a 5-day fast today over dangerous and poor working conditions in buildings owned by the largest office property owner in Burlington, Gutierrez Company.

Two Gutierrez Co. contractors, Foxboro, Mass.-based Resource One and Dallas-based American Housekeeping, are under investigation for violations including indecent assault and battery, sexual harassment, and illegal threats and intimidation against janitors.

“We are doing this not just for working people in Burlington, but everywhere,” said Flor Arache, a janitor who says she experienced sexual harassment in a Gutierrez building. “I am putting myself in God’s hands. God will bring us justice.”

The first in a team of nurses also reported to the corner of Wall Street and US Rt. 3 today, where they will provide virtual round the clock medical attention for the fasters during this physically demanding act. Janitors, who are paid wages as low as $9 an hour—and offered no health care, sick days or other paid leave, have repeatedly called on the Gutierrez Co. to hire responsible contractors that follow area wage and benefit standards and respect the law.

Because the Gutierrez Co. continues to stand by while workers and their families struggle with poor working conditions and hostile workplaces, janitors feel they have no choice but to make this tremendous sacrifice.

“Burlington needs to hear the voice of reason,” said Bedardo Sola, a Harvard University janitor, who is fasting in support of workers at Gutierrez properties. “Our children are the future of the community, and we need to be able to provide for them.”