Published: June 18, 2009

Service Employees' International Union Local 32-BJ, which claims more than 100,000 members around the Northeast, has targeted Delaware's largest bank. In a newsletter to investors titled "Wilmington Trust Exposed," the union tries to embarrass the bank by calling attention to its recent operating loss, dividend cut, and dependence on federal dollars.

Why? Local 32-BJ is trying to organize a group of 40 janitors who labor at the firm's Wilmington headquarters, union organizer Eugenio Villasante told me.

The union filed unfair-labor practice charges against Optima Cleaning Systems Inc., the Wilmington firm that hires and bosses the cleaners, in March and May, according to National Labor Relations Board records.

"Most people would agree that a bank that has received $330 million from the federal bailout plan should not employ contractors that pay its cleaners at Wilmington Trust Building $7.25 an hour, with few or zero benefits," Villasante said.

Janitor Charles Henry told me he was fired for union activity. The union accuses Optima officials of illegally opposing the union campaign by punishing Henry and other union backers.

"We view the situation as a dispute between the union and the contractor. Not us," said bank spokesman Bill Benintende. Optima officials didn't return calls for comment.

SEIU says Wilmington unionists will rally in support of the janitors and the federal Free Choice Act at 14th and Washington at 4 p.m. today.