John Santos
Kwame Patterson
kpatterson@seiu32bj.org
New Rochelle Office
140 Huguenot Street
New Rochelle NY 10801
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CONTRACT EXPIRES JANUARY 1, 2012 AT 12:01 AM
More than 2,000 commercial building workers in the Hudson Valley are represented by 32BJ. The current contract between 32BJ and Hudson Valley contractors expires at midnight 12:01AM January 1, 2012. With more than 120,000 members, including 4,500 in the Hudson Valley, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson 212-388-3676
Matt Nerzig 212-539-2882
HUDSON VALLEY & FAIRFIELD COUNTY OFFICE CLEANERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT
- Union Members Approve Four-Year Contract That Gives Yearly Raises to Building Cleaners -
White Plains, NY —Office building cleaners from Hudson Valley in New York and Fairfield County in Connecticut have ratified a four-year agreement that provides a nearly 13% wage increase over the life of the agreement. The new contract also provides affordable health care coverage and increases the number of full-time job opportunities.
“Our members are working two and three jobs to try and keep their heads above water in one of the most expensive regions in the country,” said John Santos, 32BJ Hudson Valley Regional Director. “This contract will help them support their families, and contribute to the growth of the economy.”
“This is a fair agreement with modest wage increases that will help the 3,300 building cleaners in the area continue to move out of poverty and have a chance at the American Dream,” said Kurt Westby, Connecticut State Director for 32BJ SEIU.
Members voted unanimously over the weekend to approve the agreement. The new four-year contract – which is between 32BJ and area cleaning contractors such as American Building Maintenance (ABM), A & A Maintenance, and Temco – is set to expire in 2015.
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Fairfield County including the University of Connecticut, the UBS Building, the RBS Building, Norwalk Community College and Fairfield University. In Hudson Valley, the list includes the Morgan Stanley Building and both the Galleria and Westchester Malls.
There are approximately 1,700 commercial cleaners in Hudson Valley and more than 1,500 in Fairfield County. Employers, building owners and managers began negotiations with the union in early November.
With more than 120,000 members unionwide and over 5,800 living in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. For more information, visit www.standwithbuildingworkers.org .
| RATIFICATION VOTES | ||
| Saturday, January 7 3 PM Club 91 91 Booth Street Bridgeport, CT |
Saturday, January 7 5:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Church 20 Forest Street Stamford, CT |
Saturday, January 14 5 PM Ecuadorian Civic Center 240 Main Street Danbury, CT |
The tentative 4-year contract includes:
A total pay increase of 13% over 4 yearsRatification votes will be on:
Saturday, January 7, 3 PM
Club 91, 91 Booth Street, Bridgeport, CT
Saturday, January 7, 5:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 20 Forest Street, Stamford, CT
Saturday, January 14, 5 PM
Ecuadorian Civic Center, 240 Main Street, Danbury, CT
|
RATIFICATION VOTE |
The tentative 4-year contract includes:
A total pay increase of 13% over 4 yearsRatification vote will be on:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012 • 1 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 66 Hale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, December 23, 2011
NEW CONTRACT FOR HUDSON VALLEY & FAIRFIELD COUNTY OFFICE CLEANERS SECURES WAGE INCREASES FOR NEXT FOUR YEARS
White Plains, NY – The 32BJ SEIU Bargaining Committee announced a tentative agreement Thursday night on a four-year contract, subject to ratification by its members, covering more than 3,300 commercial office cleaners in Hudson Valley New York and Fairfield County Connecticut that provides cleaners with an average yearly wage increase of 3% or a nearly 13% increase in wages over the life of the contract.
“It’s a win-win agreement for businesses, workers and tenants alike,” said John Santos, 32BJ Hudson Valley Regional Director. “Helping hard-working men and women support their families strengthens the economy for the entire region.”
“This new contract moves these workers toward the middle class,” said Kurt Westby, Connecticut State Director for 32BJ. “When workers get decent wages then they can spend money in the community and that’s the best stimulus package that there could be.”
Over the next four years, cleaners in the region will see their average yearly pay increase from $12.50 per hour to $14.10 per hour all while maintaining essential benefits, such as affordable healthcare.
“I’m now going to have more money to pay my bills, said Maria Trejo, who cleans Vernon Hills Shopping Center in Scarsdale. “I can now afford to pay my daughter’s college tuition.”
“It was very important for me to maintain my health benefits,” said Leonel Arenes, a cleaner in Stamford. “The high cost of healthcare would otherwise wipe me and my family out.”
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Fairfield County including the University of Connecticut, the UBS Building, the RBS Building, Norwalk Community College and Fairfield University. In addition, cleaners in Hudson Valley clean prominent buildings including the Morgan Stanley Building, and both the Galleria and Westchester Malls.
Negotiations began on November 10th between 32BJ and representatives of the area’s major commercial office building cleaning companies. There are approximately 1,700 commercial cleaners in Hudson Valley and more than 1,500 commercial cleaners in Fairfield County. Employers, building owners and managers in both areas negotiated with the union under a combined contract called “Fairchester”. The contract was set to expire at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards. With more than 120,000 members union-wide and over 5,800 living in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
For more information, visit www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org
# # #
Only 8 days remain before the expiration of the contract covering thousands of office cleaners in New York City, Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
We have a tentative agreement for Delaware Office Cleaners.
What can you do?
Only 9 days remain before the expiration of the contract covering thousands of office cleaners in New York City, Hudson Valley, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware.
What can you do?
Only 10 days remain before the expiration of the contract covering thousands of office cleaners in New York City, Hudson Valley, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware.
What can you do?
Members of our union, 32BJ SEIU, are standing together for good jobs. More than 60,000 property service workers in seven states are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
Workers in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Montgomery County, MD, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have already negotiated new agreements that protect decent pay and benefit standards. Tentative agreements have been reached in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware, as well as Fairfield County, Conn. and Hudson Valley.
Tentative Agreements for:
• Delaware - Tentative Agreement Announced
• Fairfield County, Conn. & Hudson Valley – Tentative Agreement Announced
• New Jersey – Tentative Agreement Announced
• Hartford & New Haven, Conn. – Tentative Agreement Announced
• New York City – Tentative Agreement Announced
Contracts talks in the Philadelphia suburbs have been extended with a contract deadline on January 16, 2012 at 12:01 am.
• Philadelphia Suburbs – Expires January 16, 2012 at 12:01 am
With more than 120,000 members in nine states, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.
Check out the highlights from the big events this week! Thousands of 32BJ members joined together to demonstrate our determination to fight for good jobs.
Pledge Your Support for Office Cleaners
Check out the photos from yesterday’s strike votes and rallies. We sent the strong message that we will not let employers push back our pay, benefits and rights on the job!
Pledge Your Support for Hudson Valley and Fairfield Country Office Cleaners
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
FAIRFIELD COUNTY OFFICE CLEANERS GIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO CALL A STRIKE
Workers Prepared to Strike if Necessary for Good Jobs
Stamford, CT –The region’s office cleaners voted today to authorize their union’s bargaining committee to call a strike, if necessary, at rallies and marches throughout Hudson Valley New York and Fairfield County Connecticut. Negotiations for a new contract covering more than 3,300 commercial office cleaners in the region began on November 15th between 32BJ SEIU and representatives of the area’s major commercial office building cleaning companies. The contract is set to expire at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.
“This industry should protect the kind of family-sustaining jobs necessary to boost our economy,” said Lenore Friedlaender, 32BJ Vice President. “I urge companies to avoid an unnecessary strike and sign a fair contract for this region’s hard-working cleaners.”
The union seeks to preserve good jobs with wages that keep pace with the cost of living, as well as maintain benefits such as affordable healthcare and sick days. Contractors, meanwhile, are looking to eliminate jobs and cut fulltime benefits at certain buildings as well as make it harder for workers to be eligible for affordable family healthcare.
There are approximately 1,700 commercial cleaners in Hudson Valley and more than 1,500 commercial cleaners in Fairfield. Employers, building owners and managers in both areas are negotiating with the union under a combined contract called “Fairchester.” Wages for cleaners in Hudson Valley and Fairfield are approximately $12.50 an hour or $26,000 annually for full-time workers. They also receive health, holidays, vacation and paid sick days.
The median household income was $74,830 in Fairfield County and $77,400 Westchester County, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Meanwhile, Westchester and Fairfield commercial real estate is listed as a $2.2 billion industry.
“We work hard every day cleaning these big buildings,” said Leonel Arenas, an office cleaner in Stamford. “We need to keep our benefits because our wages alone are not enough to support our families.”
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Fairfield County, including the University of Connecticut, the UBS Building, the RBS Building, Norwalk Community College and Fairfield University.
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
With more than 120,000 members union-wide and over 5,800 in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. The current contracts between 32BJ and commercial office building owners and cleaning companies in Hudson Valley and Fairfield expire at midnight on December 31, 2011.
For more information, visit www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org
# # #
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
HUDSON VALLEY OFFICE CLEANERS GIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO CALL A STRIKE
Workers Prepared to Strike if Necessary for Good Jobs
White Plains, NY–The region’s office cleaners voted today to authorize their union’s bargaining committee to call a strike, if necessary, at rallies and marches throughout Hudson Valley New York and Fairfield County Connecticut. Negotiations for a new contract covering more than 3,300 commercial office cleaners in the region began on November 15th between 32BJ SEIU and representatives of the area’s major commercial office building cleaning companies. The contract is set to expire at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.
“This industry should protect the kind of family-sustaining jobs necessary to boost our economy,” said John Santos, 32BJ Hudson Valley-Fairfield Regional Director. “I urge companies to avoid an unnecessary strike and sign a fair contract for this region’s hard-working cleaners.”
The union seeks to preserve good jobs with wages that keep pace with the cost of living, as well as maintain benefits such as affordable healthcare and sick days. Contractors, meanwhile, are looking to freeze wages and cut fulltime benefits at certain buildings as well as make it harder for workers to be eligible for affordable family healthcare.
There are approximately 1,700 commercial cleaners in Hudson Valley and more than 1,500 commercial cleaners in Fairfield. Employers, building owners and managers in both areas are negotiating with the union under a combined contract called “Fairchester.” Wages for cleaners in Hudson Valley and Fairfield are approximately $12.50 an hour or $26,000 annually for full-time workers. They also receive healthcare insurance, holidays, vacation and paid sick days.
The median household income in Westchester County was $77,400 and $74,830 in Fairfield County, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Meanwhile, Westchester and Fairfield commercial real estate is listed as a $2.2 billion industry.
“We work hard every day cleaning these big buildings,” said Elena Allende, an office cleaner in White Plains. “We need to keep our benefits because our wages alone are not enough to support our families.”
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Hudson Valley, including the Morgan Stanley Building, and both the Galleria and Westchester Malls.
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
For more information: www.standforbuildingworkers.org
# # #
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR 4:00 PM, Thursday, December 15, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
FAIRFIELD COUNTY OFFICE CLEANERS TO HOLD STRIKE VOTE AT RALLY
–Cleaners to March through Stamford after Vote–
Stamford, CT– Hundreds of Fairfield County office cleaners will today hold a vote on whether to authorize their union’s bargaining committee to call a strike, if necessary at a rally and march in Stamford. Negotiations for a new contract covering more than 1,500 commercial office cleaners in Fairfield County and another 1,700 cleaners in Hudson Valley began on November 10th between 32BJ SEIU and representatives for the area’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies.
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Fairfield County including the University of Connecticut, the UBS Building, the RBS Building, Norwalk Community College and Fairfield University. The contract is set to expire at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.
WHAT: Office Cleaners Hold Strike Vote and March through Stamford
WHO: 32BJ Vice President Lenore Friedlander
32BJ members and office cleaners
Assembly Members Andres Ayala and William Tong
WHEN: Thursday, December 15, 2011
4:00 PM
WHERE: Unitarian Church, 20 Forest Street, Stamford, CT
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
With more than 120,000 members union-wide and over 5,800 in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. For more information, visit www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org .
###
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR 3:00 PM, Thursday, December 15, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
HUDSON VALLEY OFFICE CLEANERS TO HOLD STRIKE VOTE AT RALLY
–Cleaners to March through Downtown White Plains after Vote–
White Plains, NY– Hundreds of Hudson Valley office cleaners will today hold a vote on whether to authorize their union’s bargaining committee to call a strike, if necessary at a rally and march in downtown White Plains. Negotiations for a new contract covering more than 1,700 Hudson Valley commercial office cleaners and another 1,500 cleaners in Fairfield, CT began on November 10th between 32BJ SEIU and representatives for the area’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies.
32BJ members clean prominent buildings in Hudson Valley including the Morgan Stanley Building, and both the Galleria and Westchester Malls. The contract is set to expire at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.
WHAT: Office Cleaners Hold Strike Vote and March through White Plains
WHO: 32BJ Hudson Valley-Fairfield Regional Director John Santos,
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins (Invited)
Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez (Invited)
Assemblyman Mike Spano (Invited)
32BJ members and office cleaners
WHEN: Thursday, December 15, 2011
3:00 PM
WHERE: 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
With more than 120,000 members union-wide and over 5,800 in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. For more information, visit www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org .
###
We must act now to defend our jobs and to stop the senseless attacks on working people. Every 32BJ member must be involved in this fight to show all employers that we are united: If they come after some of us, they take on all of us.
Want to find out how you can get more involved? Learn more about volunteering.
| New York, NY | |
Newark, NJ Strike Vote & Rally Thur, Dec 15 |
|
White Plains, NY Strike Vote & Rally Thur, Dec 15 |
|
Stamford, CT Strike Vote & Rally Thur, Dec 15 |
|
Hartford, CT Strike Vote & Rally Thur, Dec 15 |
32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kwame Patterson: 212-388-3676; 312-371-2485
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTRACT TALKS OPEN FOR THOUSANDS OF HUDSON VALLEY AND FAIRFIELD COMMERCIAL OFFICE CLEANERS
– Union Proposals Focus on Protecting Good Jobs to Strengthen the Economy –
White Plains, NY – Negotiations for a new contract covering more than 3,300 commercial office cleaners in Hudson Valley, NY and Fairfield, CT began today between 32BJ and representatives of the real estate industry. 32BJ presented its contract proposals to representatives for the area’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies, such as American Building Maintenance (ABM), A & A Maintenance, and Temco.
“Our proposal would help create and protect good jobs that are essential to sustaining the local economy,” said John Santos, 32BJ Hudson Valley-Fairfield Regional Director. “Ensuring men and women can support their families helps to stimulate the economy and rebuild our middle class.”
There are approximately 1,700 commercial cleaners in Hudson Valley and more than 1,500 commercial cleaners in Fairfield. Employers, building owners and managers in both areas are negotiating with the union under a combined contract also called “Fairchester”. Wages for cleaners in Hudson Valley and Fairfield are approximately $12.50 an hour or $26,000 annually for full-time workers. They also receive health, holidays, vacation and paid sick days.
The median household income in Westchester County was $77,400 and $74,830 in Fairfield County, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Meanwhile, Westchester and Fairfield commercial real estate is listed as a $2.2 billion industry.
“A good, fair contract will provide working families with what they need to get by and local governments with more tax revenue,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. “This campaign for good jobs is part of a national effort to rebuild the middle class, restore the economy, and reclaim the American Dream for millions of Americans.”
More than 60,000 property service workers from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.
With more than 120,000 members union-wide and over 5,800 in Hudson Valley and Fairfield combined, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. The current contracts between 32BJ and commercial office building owners and cleaning companies in Hudson Valley and Fairfield expire at midnight on December 31, 2011.
For more information, visit www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org .
# # #
Check out this video from the rally in Philadelphia last week (09/28/2011).
Speakers include:
| Mike Fishman President 32BJ SEIU Valarie Long Vice President 32BJ SEIU Juanita Acree 32BJ SEIU Member – Philadelphia Wayne MacManiman 32BJ SEIU Mid-Atlantic District Director Cheryl Adams 32BJ SEIU Member – Philadelphia Rosa Cox 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Carlos Ramos 32BJ SEIU Member – New Jersey Frederick R. Deas 32BJ SEIU Member – Philadelphia Jose Regalado 32BJ SEIU Member – New Jersey Rodrigo Mendez 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Jacinto Quinonez 32BJ SEIU Member – New Jersey Patricia Arcila-Cabrera 32BJ SEIU Staff – New Jersey |
Jim Bird 32BJ SEIU Member – Pittsburgh Sara Pastorelli 32BJ SEIU Member – Connecticut Ana Rodriguez 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Tony McIntosh 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Safet Lukolic 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Maria Ruiz 32BJ SEIU Member – New York Clara Castillo 32BJ SEIU Member – Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Bob Brady Pennsylvania’s First District Robert Tucker 32BJ SEIU Member – Philadelphia Kevin Doyle Executive Vice President 32BJ SEIU Mary Kay Henry SEIU International President Hector Figueroa Secretary Treasurer 32BJ SEIU |
Philadelphia, PA (9/28/2011) – Thousands of property service workers from Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, the Washington, D.C.-area, Connecticut and Delaware, rallied downtown last week to call for a fair contract in Philadelphia. They were joined by Rep. Bob Brady (D-Pa.) and President of the Service Employees International Union, Mary Kay Henry. Contract negotiations are underway for more than 2,600 building cleaners in Philadelphia, who are fighting for a fair wage increase and secure benefits.
More interviews:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
2,000 members of 32BJ marched in the streets of Philadelphia yesterday demanding fair contracts and good jobs. Click here to see photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32bj/sets/72157627782061910/ .
We came from New York City and the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, the Washington, D.C.-area, Connecticut, Delaware and Western Pennsylvania to join with Philly members because we are one union united in one fight.
The first wave in our campaign is Philadelphia, the D.C. area and Pittsburgh, where contracts expire in October. Our march told employers in every 32BJ city that we will stand together in these cities — and everywhere — until we win good, strong contracts for all 60,000 32BJ commercial office cleaners, janitors and building service workers.
Mary Kay Henry, president of the SEIU, joined us yesterday in Philadelphia for the march. Our fight is part of a much larger campaign for all property service workers. Contracts expire for more than 150,000 SEIU janitors across the country in the next year. We all share the same goal: To defend good jobs that support our families, strengthen our communities and get our economy on track. SEIU members rallied in 22 cities yesterday to send this message nationwide.
Yesterday was exciting — and important. I urge you to stay involved as we fight on. Our success depends on our solidarity, our resolve — and our action.
Yours in solidarity,
Mike Fishman, 32BJ President
32BJ of SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Eugenio H. Villasante 646 285 1087
Julie Karant: 646-584-9001
Maia Davis 201-396-4444
THOUSANDS OF PROPERTY SERVICE WORKERS RALLY FOR GOOD JOBS
- Philadelphia Cleaners Vote to Authorize Strike -
- Rep. Brady Joins Rally; Property Service Workers Rally in 21 Other Cities Across the Country -
Philadelphia, PA – Thousands of property service workers from Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, the Washington, D.C.-area, Connecticut and Delaware, rallied downtown today to call for a fair contract in Philadelphia. They were joined by Rep. Bob Brady (D-Pa.) and President of the Service Employees International Union, Mary Kay Henry. Contract negotiations are underway for more than 2,600 building cleaners in Philadelphia, who are fighting for a fair wage increase and secure benefits.
Following the rally, the Philadelphia property service workers voted to give their bargaining committee the power to call for a strike, if necessary. A strike, if one occurs, could affect more than 100 buildings, including Liberty Tower, Comcast Center and Commerce Square. The current contract expires at 12:01 a.m. on October 16, 2011.
“Today’s strike vote shows we’re determined to keep our city a place that working families can afford to call home,” said Wayne MacManiman, Mid-Atlantic Director for 32BJ. “Our members are determined to protect their good jobs, which are critical to their families, their communities, and to the thousands of tenants who depend on these workers’ services.”
Negotiations began on September 8th between 32BJ, the city’s largest private-sector union, and leaders of Building Operators Labor Relations, Inc. (BOLR), an organization representing Philadelphia’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies.
“The real estate industry in Philadelphia surely has the money to keep the benefits that keep our children healthy,” said Angel Castro, a cleaner in Center City who has three children. “I’ve got two kids in college, a mortgage to pay, groceries to buy. I’m struggling like many people these days.”
Philadelphia and the Washington, D.C. area are the first of several cities where contract negotiations will occur this fall. Altogether, 60,000 commercial members from Northern Virginia to Connecticut and Philadelphia to Pittsburgh are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that protect good jobs.
“Our city, our state, and our country need for working people to get the fair pay and decent benefits they deserve,” Congressman Bob Brady (D-Pa.) said. “A win for commercial office cleaners in this contract fight will be a win for all of us.”
“At a time when American workers are under attack, 32BJ members are standing together for the good jobs our communities and our country needs,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ, the nation’s largest union of property service workers. “Not just here in Philadelphia, but in twenty two cities across the country today.”
“The 2,600 property service workers here in Philadelphia who are bargaining to keep good jobs alive are not in this fight alone,” said SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry. “Across the country, more than 150,000 janitors over the next year will be sitting across the table from their employer—bargaining contracts to defend good jobs and rebuild the middle class.”
With more than 120,000 members in eight states, including 7,000 in Philadelphia, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
###
Rally today in Philadelphia! We are demonstrating for the good jobs we need to support our families, and which our nation needs to regain its footing after the worst economic crisis to hit in a generation. We are all standing together on the same day in this fight for good jobs because the contracts for some 150,000 building service workers, including 60,000 in 32BJ Districts, will soon be expiring from coast to coast.
UPDATE 10/04/2011: Video
UPDATE, 11:21 AM 9/28/2011:
Incoming photos on Flickr: Philadelphia Commercial Contract Rally 09.28.2011
To add your photos, email us: photos@seiu32bj.org!
Here are what some people are saying on Twitter:
@seiu: RT @elizaj: Goodbye, Philly! Awesome rally with @32BJ_SEIU members! One union! PHOTOS posted: http://t.co/r4Cv8xnU
@green4philly: At the SEIU 32BJ rally in Dilworth Plaza. http://t.co/BWBaotzB
@tanyalias: We got thousands in the street – hey corporations do your part! #j4j http://t.co/Deg1n0zD
You can follow rallies in Philly and 22 other cities on twitter: Search for #j4j (Justice 4 Janitors) on Twitter
Update, 5:49 PM: Press Coverage is starting to roll in –
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR 12 p.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Eugenio H. Villasante 212 539 2940, 646 285 1087
Julie Karant: 646-584-9001
Maia Davis 201-396-4444
- Strike vote by Philadelphia members to follow rally with Rep. Brady -
Philadelphia, PA – Thousands of property service workers from Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, the Washington, D.C. region, Connecticut and Allegheny County will march and rally downtown on Wednesday to call for a fair contract. Among them will be some of the 2,600 building cleaners in Philadelphia fighting for a new contract with a fair wage increase, employer-paid family health care and retirement security. Contract negotiations are also underway for more than 12,000 commercial cleaners in the Wash., D.C. region and for 2,100 in Allegheny County. These negotiations mark the first round of a multistate campaign by 60,000 cleaners for new contracts that maintain and raise wage and benefit standards. Altogether, across the country, more than 150,000 property service workers in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are fighting for a fair contract from now through 2012. Following the rally, the Philadelphia-area cleaners will vote on whether to grant their bargaining committee the power to call a strike if necessary.
WHAT: March, rally and strike vote
WHO: Thousands of commercial office cleaners from Philadelphia, N.Y., N.J., Conn. Wash., D.C., Md., Del. Va., and Allegheny Co., Pa.
Congressman Bob Brady (D-Philadelphia)
SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry
City Council members
Philadelphia labor leaders and other community supporters
*Interviews can be arranged prior to rally with SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry
WHEN: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
March at 12 PM
Rally and strike vote at 1 PM
WHERE: Dilworth Plaza, City Hall
15th & JFK
Rallies and marches will also be held in 21 other cities across the country, with property service workers and their supporters calling for the good jobs that build strong communities.
With more than 120,000 members in eight states, including 7,000 in Philadelphia, Local 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
# #
UPDATE, 5:55 PM 9/28/2011:
More photos, press, and social media coverage of the rallies.
UPDATE, 11:21 AM 9/28/2011:
Incoming photos on Flickr: GOOD JOBS RALLY IN PHILLY To add your photos, email us: photos@seiu32bj.org!
On September 28 in Philadelphia — and in As we go to the negotiating table to fight for good jobs, we do so knowing that this fight is part of a larger campaign for the good jobs across our country needs.
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Los Angeles Orange County/Irvine Sacramento San Diego/La Jolla San Francisco San Jose Denver Chicago Indianapolis Boston Detroit Milwaukee Kansas City St Louis Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Toledo Portland Philadelphia Providence Houston Seattle |
Update, 9/27/2011: 22 cities!
32BJ members honor the legacy of the Justice for Janitors campaign annually on June 15th. We remember the incredible organizing efforts of those janitors and cleaners who decided to join together and take action to demand respect and a better life. This year we had events June 11-17 in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Press Coverage
Justice for Janitors in New York Metro:
Justice for Janitors in Connecticut:
Justice for Janitors in New Jersey:
Justice for Janitors in Washington, DC:
Justice for Janitors in Western Pennsylvania:
March for the Middle Class in New York City:
