By George P. Hassett

Tufts University janitors and their supporters blocked traffic in Davis Square Thursday during a rally to protest what they say are low wages and a lack of benefits.

About a dozen people walked in a circle shouting ‚ÄúNo justice, no peace!‚Äù in English and Spanish on a traffic island to start the demonstration. The protestors were made up of janitors, Tufts students and the janitor’s union SIEU 615.

In the intersection of College Avenue and Elm Street, protestors lined up across the street to create a human billboard that spelled out “community,” remaining there as the light turned green. Motorists beeped their horns and yelled at the demonstrators in response.

“What are you doing?” yelled one man who left his car and approached the group.

The protestors eventually allowed cars, to pass but again blocked traffic minutes later.

Police Captain Paul Upton said an officer responded to the scene and advised the demonstrators to stop blocking traffic, which they did.

Elba Ramos, who has been a janitor at Tufts for 11 years said, “With the current economy, it is getting hard to make ends meet. That is why we need accessible healthcare, better pay and full time work, so we can provide for our families”.

Janitors at Tufts are paid $14.23 an hour. The janitors and their supporters said many Tufts custodial employees are denied 20 full time work and healthcare benefits.

A resolution supporting the janitors, sponsored by Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, was not acted on at last week’s meeting.