Ep 11. Rape on the Night Shift

In season 33, episode 11 of the acclaimed documentary series Frontline, titled 'Rape on the Night Shift', the show takes a deep dive into the disturbing reality of sexual assault in the janitorial industry. The episode sheds light on the plight of immigrant women who make up a majority of the janitorial workforce, and their vulnerable position, often comes with the high risk of abuse and exploitation at the hands of their supervisors or co-workers.

Through interviews with survivors, law enforcement officials, advocates, and industry insiders, the episode reveals how many janitors are vulnerable to abuse due to their lack of language skills, isolation, and the lack of legal protections for their work. The show traces the roots of the problem back to the passage of Proposition 209 in California in 1996, which prohibited affirmative action in public employment, including the janitorial industry. This led to the underrepresentation of women and minorities in supervisory roles, who might have been able to better protect their fellow workers.

The episode profiles the story of several women who have experienced sexual harassment and assault on the night shift, and how the trauma impacted their lives and families. It also highlights urban myths and legends that abound about janitorial work and the kinds of abuses that may occur. The show exposes how pervasive the problem is, and how it is often ignored or dismissed outright by employers and law enforcement.

The episode also reflects on the legal battles waged by survivor advocates, union leaders, and lawyers, who have been fighting for justice and rights on behalf of janitorial workers. The show profiles the work of the janitorial workers union, SEIU United Service Workers West, which has led several successful campaigns to push for tougher laws around sexual harassment and assault, including the creation of the Janitorial Training and Education Fund (JTEC), which trains entry-level janitors on the basics of workplace safety, including how to report sexual harassment and assault.

Finally, the show examines recent California legislation introduced to better protect janitorial workers from sexual harassment and assault. The show highlights the implementation of the Property Service Workers Protection Act, which requires janitorial employers to register with the state and provide thorough training on sexual harassment and assault. The episode concludes by leaving the viewers with a glimmer of hope that even though the problem is pervasive, there are ways to tackle it through action from the government, advocacy groups, and the workers themselves.

Overall, Frontline season 33, episode 11, 'Rape on the Night Shift', is a thought-provoking and chilling exposé of the sexual harassment and assault faced by thousands of immigrant women who work in the janitorial industry. The documentary offers insight into the personal stories of the victims, while also shedding light on the legal and systemic ramifications that have enabled this culture of abuse to thrive for so long. It belies the myth that all workers are treated fairly and offers a case for the need for reforms to prevent these abuses.