Day of Justice for Janitors June 15. For most people, it's an ordinary day. But for those who go out with a broom and a shovel every morning to clean our streets of garbage, this day could be a celebration. An unofficial, but well-deserved one. Day of Justice for Janitors. A celebration that they dream of, but which is not yet on the calendar. On this date, we want to remind everyone: a janitor is not just a "man with a broom," but a guardian of cleanliness whose shoulders bear the health of millions. But is it fair that their labor is paid in coins, and respect is even less? Let's figure it out. History of the Profession: From Night Watchmen to Utility Workers The profession of a janitor has existed as long as cities have. In Ancient Rome, street cleaners were called "scourers." In medieval Europe, garbage was thrown out of windows, and it was not until the 19th century that the first organized cleanliness services appeared. In the Russian Empire, janitors were not only cleaners but also watchmen who kept order. After the revolution, they were renamed "sanitation workers." Today, a janitor is a multi-tasking employee: sweeps, gathers leaves, clears snow, removes informal dumps, cleans bins, and sometimes even paints benches. Without them, cities would be submerged in dirt within a week. Portrait of a Modern Janitor: Who Are They The average age of a janitor in Russia is 55-60 years old. It is mainly women (60-70%), because the salary is low, and men move to more lucrative fields. Immigrants from CIS countries also make up a significant part. Janitors work 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, often outdoors in any weather. In winter — cold, in summer — heat and gnats. Equipment: broom, shovel, garbage bags, sometimes a cart. Some management companies have equipment (vacuum cleaners, tractors), but more often than not, the janitor relies on manual labor. Salary and Working Conditions: Where Is Justice The average salary of a janitor in Russia in 2026 is 15-25 th ... Read more