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SEIU Local 1877, which represents area janitors, was out in force at Cisco today. The union's contract expired at the end of April, and it looks like the threatened strike has materialized here, as well as in Los Angeles. While the perception is that even service employees can become millionaires in the Valley, that's only if you get equity and happen to work for a company that succeeds. The reality?

These janitors are employed by contractors, make from $8 to $11 an hour with no health benefits, let alone stock options. They often live in cramped conditions thanks to the cost of local real estate. All so you don't have to get your hands dirty cleaning up after the catered lunch in the conference room. (Photo from a Valleywag tipster)