At 58 years old, Roberto Martinez did not expect to have to share a two bedroom apartment with three roommates, but in his current situation, it’s all he can afford. Roberto has cleaned offices at 13430 Northwest FWY for six years. Recently, Pritchard, the cleaning contractor Roberto works for, began cutting back their shift-from six hours to five. Despite having less time, employees are still expected to complete the same amount of work. And with every minute reduced from his shift, Roberto gets further and further away from moving out of his cramped apartment.
In order to supplement his income, Roberto used to repair electrical engines during the day, but lost this job when his boss made cutbacks two years ago. And just as Roberto began looking for another second job, his car completely died. Unable to pay the $600 it would take to repair it, much less buy another car his plans took another setback. He was offered a position in Conroe, but found it impossible to get there. Now Roberto finds himself in a hole he just can’t get out of. “The bus lines in my area are not very reliable. I can make it to my night job, but that’s it. Without a car I can’t go to my second job and without a second job, I can’t repair my car,” he says
Despite all of this, Roberto keeps up with his responsibilities as a father. With four children already grown, making sure his youngest daughter finishes high school, has become his priority. His reduced finances have forced him to cut back on buying clothes and food, relying on his roommates to help if he is ever short. Indulging in luxuries like more expensive fresh fruit and vegetables is out of the question. “My daughter lives with her mother and I don’t get to see her much, but we talk on the phone every day. I send her as much money as I can, but I wish I could send more,” he says.
Pritchard has told employees they are cutting hours in order to offset the .25¢ per hour increase they received due to the company’s agreement with the janitor’s union. “As we make gains, the companies find a way to turn everything in their favor,” Roberto says.
