July 27th 2024.
Over the weekend, a potential strike involving 2,500 janitors in Denver was successfully avoided. It was a close call, but the union and cleaning companies were able to come to a tentative agreement on a new contract. This news was met with relief and excitement from both sides.
The new contract, which was negotiated by the Service Employees International Union Local 105, includes some significant changes. Most notably, it includes historic wage increases for the janitors, as well as protections against excessive workloads and guaranteed paid sick leave. Once this contract is fully ratified, janitors in Denver will be among the highest paid in the country.
Earlier in the week, members of the union unanimously voted to authorize a strike if negotiations with the 17 cleaning contractors did not result in acceptable terms. Their main concerns were centered around fair wages and addressing workload issues. As union president Stephanie Felix-Sowy explained, many janitors were facing additional tasks while also having their hours cut, which was not sustainable.
It's worth noting that while the union represents 2,400 janitors across 1,500 buildings in Denver, the total number of members who voted on the strike was not disclosed. However, the agreement was reached just in time, as the strike was set to go into effect on July 28th.
In addition to the successful contract negotiations, there have also been some exciting developments in the Denver business world. For example, the city has seen a surge in new apartments, with renters eagerly snapping them up. However, there are also ongoing challenges, such as the struggle for artificial intelligence to handle complex math problems.
On a lighter note, there's been some entertaining content on social media, including a one-man Telemundo show on TikTok. And for those struggling to remember all their passwords, experts recommend using a password manager.
In related news, a recent poll revealed that 89% of people in Colorado are concerned about the state's housing affordability crisis. This is a pressing issue that affects many individuals and families, and it's important for businesses and leaders to address it.
In a statement released by the SEIU, Denver janitor Verónica Escobedo expressed her satisfaction with the new contract. She emphasized that it was the result of janitors across the metro area coming together and fighting for their rights. She also highlighted the significant impact this contract will have on the industry as a whole, setting a higher standard for janitor pay across the country. This is truly a monumental victory for the janitors and their union.
It's worth noting that the 2,400 janitors represented by the SEIU are all under one "master contract," which is negotiated between the union and all of their employers. During the negotiations, the employers were represented by John Nesse, who spoke on their behalf in a statement. He expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating that they can now focus on providing the best possible service to their clients.
The final step in this process will be for the janitors to vote on ratifying the new contract next week. This is an important moment for everyone involved, and it's a testament to the power of collective bargaining. We'll continue to keep you updated on any further developments in this story. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for our Economy Now newsletter to stay informed on all the latest business news.
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