July 27th 2024.
After several days of tense negotiations, a potential strike involving 2,500 janitors across Denver was avoided on Saturday as the union and cleaning companies reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. According to the Service Employees International Union Local 105, this new contract marks a significant milestone with its historic wage increases, protections against excessive workloads, and guaranteed paid sick leave. Once ratified, Denver janitors will be among the highest paid in the nation.
In the days leading up to the agreement, there was a looming threat of a strike. On Tuesday, members of the SEIU unanimously voted to authorize a strike if the negotiations with the 17 cleaning contractors did not result in acceptable terms. The main concerns of the union members were centered around receiving a livable wage and addressing excessive workloads.
Stephanie Felix-Sowy, the president of SEIU Local 105, explained that workload was a major issue, with additional workload being placed on members while their hours were being cut. The union represents approximately 2,400 Denver janitors across 1,500 buildings, but the total number of ballots cast during the three-day voting period was not disclosed.
Fortunately, Saturday's agreement came just one day before the July 28 deadline, which would have triggered the strike. This news comes as a relief to many, including those in the business community. In related articles, The Denver Post reported on the current housing affordability crisis in Colorado, the struggles of artificial intelligence with math, and the success of a one-man Telemundo on TikTok. Additionally, a tech tip was shared on using a password manager to manage multiple passwords, and a poll revealed that 89% of people fear the state's housing affordability crisis.
Verónica Escobedo, a Denver janitor, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the new contract in an SEIU news release, stating, "Janitors across the Denver metro stood together and fought hard for this. This contract will put us on a path to livable wages and raises the bar for our industry across the country... This is a massive victory." The 2,400 janitors represented by SEIU are all united under one "master contract" that is negotiated between them and their employers.
John Nesse, who represented the employers, the Denver Maintenance Contractors Association, in the negotiations, also commented on the agreement. "The DMCA employers are pleased to have reached a mutual agreement with the union so that all parties can continue their focus on providing the highest level of service to our clients," he said.
Next week, janitors will vote to ratify the new contract, and all parties involved are hopeful that it will be accepted. Denver Post reporter Judith Kohler contributed to this report, and readers can stay updated on the latest business news by signing up for the Economy Now newsletter.
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