July 24th 2024.
On Tuesday, members of the Service Employees International Union Local 105, who work as janitors, voted to potentially go on strike across the metro Denver area if their negotiations with 17 cleaning contractors do not result in acceptable terms. The current contract, which covers around 2,400 workers in 1,500 buildings, will expire on July 28. According to Stephanie Felix-Sowy, president of SEIU Local 105, the union's main priorities include ensuring a livable wage and addressing concerns about workload.
When asked about the workload concerns, Felix-Sowy explained that it refers to the added tasks that have been placed on union members while their hours have been reduced. Eva Martinez, who has been a janitor at Republic Plaza in downtown Denver for 30 years, was among the union members who voted at a downtown plaza. She expressed her frustration with the current situation, sharing that there used to be 24 janitors at her building before the pandemic, and now there are only 12. Martinez also mentioned that the majority of janitors in the union are Latina immigrants.
Felix-Sowy, who translated for Martinez as she spoke in Spanish, emphasized that their goal is to reach a fair agreement, but they are prepared to strike if necessary. According to SEIU spokesperson David Fernandez, 100% of the voting members authorized a strike, although the total number of ballots cast was not disclosed. Fernandez also stated that if an agreement is not reached by the deadline, the members will decide on the appropriate course of action.
Martinez further explained the difficulties of their working conditions, sharing that while there are some days with lighter building occupancy, there are also days where the levels are similar to pre-pandemic times. When the 12 janitors cannot complete their tasks within 8 hours, they receive warnings. Felix-Sowy added that the union is also negotiating for fair wages that will allow the workers to cover their expenses, as costs continue to rise. She stressed that the members have made it clear that they do not want to be stuck with minimum-wage jobs, and that the purpose of collective bargaining is to secure better conditions.
Felix-Sowy also shared that Martinez is asking for respect for the work that she and her fellow janitors do. She believes that being a janitor is a dignified job and that the workers should be treated as such. On the other hand, John Nesse, a labor relations attorney representing the employers, stated in an email that they have had several meetings with the union since June. The group of employers is called the Denver Maintenance Contractors Association.
The union mentioned that they have already reached agreements with other SEIU locals, including in Houston, Minneapolis, and Seattle, and that members in San Francisco have also voted to authorize a strike. However, Nesse expressed hope that a new agreement will be reached in Denver before the current contract expires. A photo of Eva Martinez, with her fist in the air, participating in a SEIU rally with other local janitors at 17th and California streets in Denver on July 23, 2024, was also included in the original text.
While the union is disappointed that a strike may be necessary, they assure that they will continue to negotiate in good faith until a new agreement is reached. Nesse also pointed out that the current agreement already offers industry-leading wages and benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off. However, during the last bargaining session, SEIU members requested wage increases ranging from 45% to 87% over four years, as well as substantial improvements in health benefits and paid time off.
Maria Hernandez, a Denver janitor for 39 years and member of the bargaining committee, expressed her disappointment in an email, stating that the cleaning company executives have viewed their essential work as minimum-wage jobs, despite the fact that the industry generates billions of dollars in revenue in Colorado. Felix-Sowy also mentioned that the members want to eliminate the wage disparities based on their workplace locations.
Paul Lopez, Denver Clerk and Recorder, joined the SEIU members at the voting site and shared that he was previously an organizer for the union for five years. He also revealed that both he and his father used to work as janitors. Lopez urged the cleaning companies to come to the table and make progress, especially since the State of the City address, which took place the day before, emphasized the importance of building a thriving downtown and a strong economy, which could not be possible without the hard work of the janitors. He urged the companies to work towards a fair agreement to benefit both parties.
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