July 27th 2024.
Nearly 2,500 janitors in Denver were on the brink of going on strike, but luckily, an agreement was reached on Saturday between the union and cleaning companies. The Service Employees International Union Local 105 announced that the new contract would include significant wage increases, protections against excessive workloads, and guaranteed paid sick leave. Once ratified, Denver janitors will be among the highest paid in the country.
Prior to the agreement, the union had unanimously voted to authorize a strike if negotiations with 17 cleaning contractors did not result in satisfactory terms. The main goals of the union members were to secure a livable wage and address concerns about their workload. As Stephanie Felix-Sowy, president of SEIU Local 105, explained, the workload issue stemmed from employers placing additional tasks on janitors while simultaneously cutting their hours.
It's worth noting that while the union represents around 2,400 janitors in 1,500 buildings across Denver, the exact number of members who participated in the strike vote was not disclosed. However, the agreement was reached just in time, as the strike was set to begin on July 28 if no resolution was reached.
In related news, the Denver metro area has seen a surge in new apartments, with renters eagerly snapping up available units. On a more technical note, artificial intelligence has been struggling with certain math problems, causing some to question its reliability. Meanwhile, one person has become a viral sensation on TikTok, showcasing his tech skills and offering helpful tips. And for those who struggle with remembering numerous passwords, experts recommend using a password manager as a solution.
In other news, a recent poll revealed that 89% of people are concerned about the housing affordability crisis in Colorado. But for Denver janitor Verónica Escobedo, the focus was on celebrating the victory of the new contract. In a statement, she expressed her pride in standing together with her fellow janitors and fighting for a fair agreement. She believes that this contract will pave the way for livable wages and set a higher standard for the industry nationwide.
It's important to note that the 2,400 janitors represented by SEIU are all under one "master contract" that is negotiated between the union and all of their employers. Representing the employers in the contract negotiations was John Nesse of the Denver Maintenance Contractors Association. He expressed his satisfaction with reaching a mutual agreement with the union and looks forward to continuing to provide top-quality service to their clients.
Next week, the janitors will have the opportunity to vote on ratifying the new contract. In the meantime, for more business news, don't forget to sign up for our Economy Now newsletter. We'll keep you updated on the latest developments and insights from the business world.
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