A strike of nearly 2,500 janitors across Denver was averted Saturday as the unionized group and cleaning companies came to a tentative agreement on a new contract..
The new contract includes historic wage increases, protections against excessive workloads and guaranteed paid sick leave, according to Service Employees International Union Local 105. Janitors in Denver will be some of the highest paid in the country, once the new contract is ratified.
On Tuesday, janitors who are members of SEIU unanimously voted to authorize a strike across Denver if negotiations with 17 cleaning contractors didn’t lead to acceptable terms.
Union members’ main goals included a livable wage and addressing concerns about workload.
“Workload meaning additional workload being placed on our members while hours are being cut oftentimes,” Stephanie Felix-Sowy, president of SEIU Local 105, said.
While the union represents roughly 2,400 Denver janitors across 1,500 buildings, the total number of those who cast ballots during three days of voting on whether or not to strike was not released.
Saturday’s agreement came one day before the July 28 deadline, at which point the strike would have gone into effect.
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“Janitors across the Denver metro stood together and fought hard for this,” Denver janitor Verónica Escobedo stated in an SEIU news release. “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 united under one “master contract” that is bargained between them and all of their employers.
John Nesse represented the employers, the Denver Maintenance Contractors Association, in the contract negotiations.
“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,” Nesse said.
Janitors will vote to ratify the new contract next week.
Denver Post reporter Judith Kohler contributed to this report.
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