July 27th 2024.
Over the weekend, a potential strike involving 2,500 janitors in Denver was averted as the union and cleaning companies reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. This agreement, according to the Service Employees International Union Local 105, includes significant wage increases, protections against heavy workloads, and guaranteed paid sick leave. With these changes, janitors in Denver will soon be among the highest paid in the country.
The decision to avoid a strike was made after members of the union, which represents approximately 2,400 janitors in 1,500 buildings, unanimously voted to authorize a strike if negotiations with 17 cleaning contractors did not result in satisfactory terms. The main concerns of the union members were fair wages and the growing workload being placed on them, despite their hours being cut.
Stephanie Felix-Sowy, president of SEIU Local 105, explained, "By workload, we mean the additional tasks being assigned to our members while their working hours are being reduced. This is a major issue that needed to be addressed."
Although the exact number of janitors who voted during the three-day period is unknown, the final agreement was reached just one day before the strike deadline of July 28. This is a significant victory for the janitors, who stood together and fought for their rights.
Verónica Escobedo, a Denver janitor and member of SEIU, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "This contract is a huge step towards livable wages and sets a new standard for our industry nationwide. This is a tremendous win for us."
The 2,400 janitors who are represented by SEIU are all covered under one "master contract" that is negotiated between the union and all of their employers. John Nesse, representing the employers as part of the Denver Maintenance Contractors Association, was pleased with the outcome of the negotiations.
"The DMCA employers are pleased to have reached a mutual agreement with the union so that all parties can continue to focus on delivering the highest level of service to our clients," Nesse said.
The new contract will be voted on by the janitors next week, and it is expected to be ratified. This news was reported by Denver Post journalist Judith Kohler.
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