After a week of taking action that included rallies, marches and preparing to strike if necessary, over 9,000 union cleaners - members of 32BJ SEIU - in the DC region and Baltimore have a new union contract that includes:
- raises between $3.55 and $3.75 through the life of the contract
- maintains access to free professional training and language courses
- legal services concerning issues such as immigration, family and matrimonial matters, and housing law, among others.
The contract also has full-time cleaners who will maintain employer-paid health care, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and life insurance. Part-time cleaners will continue to receive life insurance and family dental benefits.
“We are very happy because we got considerable raises after bargaining for so long,” said Wendy Diaz, a D.C. office cleaner and 32BJ member. “The raises come right on time because everything is so expensive. It will help me pay for food and rent, and I can give my kids a better life.”
Cleaners across the country are building power and are ready to fight to raise industry standards while demanding clean, green cities that everyone can live and thrive in.
