A shark pinyata in tow and mariachi music accompanying them, Harvard janitors marched with over 150 protesters in a Living Wage Campaign rally yesterday, two days before beginning negotiations with the University over a new contract.

The janitors union wants all of its members--including those who work part time--to earn at least $10 per hour, the amount the Cambridge City Council voted last spring to set as the minimum wage for city workers.

Currently, Harvard janitors make about $8 to $9 per hour or between $16,000 to $18,000 per year.

The janitors also want the University to hire a more full-time custodial staff.

Until, the University has rejected these terms, according to the union.

The janitors' current contract expires on November 15. Marc LaBella, the attorney negotiating for the janitors, said that he hopes to have a "fair contract" by then.

If the University and the union are unable to come to terms, he said that janitors would do "whatever is necessary" to pressure the University. He would not say if the actions might include a strike. Another Living Wage Campaign rally in Harvard Square is scheduled for the next day, November 16.

The rally began at the Science Center, where union members, students and others signed a "subpoena" asking the University to reconsider the union's demands.