Western PA

More than 1,100 commercial building members of 32BJ clean Allegheny County office buildings. The vast majority of the commercial office cleaners in Allegheny County are represented by 32BJ. 32BJ members clean prominent buildings in downtown Pittsburgh including the US Steel Tower, PPG Place, and BNYM Center.

The current contracts between 32BJ and commercial office building cleaning companies in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County expire at midnight at 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2011.

With more than 120, 000 members, including 16,000 in Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

 
 

Cleaners Take to the Streets; Will Honor Picket Lines if NYC Strikes

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32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Julie Karant: 646-584-9001
Eugenio H. Villasante: 646-285-1087

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR:
For 2:30 PM, Thursday, December 29, 2011

OFFICE CLEANERS WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS, HONOR PICKET LINES IF NYC CLEANERS STRIKE

Work Stoppages Could Impact Bank of New York Mellon and USX Tower

Pittsburgh, PA –Nearly 100 office cleaners, Occupy Pittsburgh activists and supporters will take to the streets on Thursday in solidarity with the 22,000 New York City cleaners who are on the verge of one of the largest private-sector strikes in recent history. Although Allegheny County commercial office cleaners ratified new four-year contracts covering 1,200 workers in October, Pittsburgh cleaners employed by New York-based contractors who are members of 32BJ SEIU could participate in work stoppages if cleaners in NYC don’t reach a fair agreement by 12:01 AM on January 1, 2012.

WHO:  Office cleaners, Occupy Pittsburgh & members of 32BJ SEIU

WHERE: One Mellon Center – BNY Mellon Center
500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA

WHEN:  Thursday, December 29, 2011 – 2:30 PM

In the event of a NYC strike, hundreds of Pittsburgh cleaners are prepared to honor picket lines at landmark buildings including the Bank of New York Mellon, the USX Tower, the PNC Bank Buildings, Highmark and Liberty Center among others.

Cleaners in more than 12 cities across the country including Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Los Angles have also pledged to honor picket lines should the strike spread outside of New York City.

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, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

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Take Action!

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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.

Allegheny County Commercial Office Cleaners Ratify New 4-Year Contracts Protecting More Than 1,200 Good Jobs

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32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Julie Karant: 646-584-9001

Jennifer England: 412-513-9091

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Saturday, October 29, 2011

ALLEGHENY COUNTY COMMERCIAL OFFICE CLEANERS RATIFY NEW

4-YEAR CONTRACTS PROTECTING MORE THAN 1,200 GOOD JOBS

Labor-Management Accord to Help Boost Economy and Ensure Quality Service for Tenants 

Pittsburgh, PA –Allegheny County commercial office cleaners today voted overwhelmingly to ratify new four-year contracts covering 1,200 workers that secures yearly wage increases that average between 2%-3% for higher wage cleaners in Pittsburgh and 6% for low wage cleaners in the suburbs. The negotiation resulted in successfully stabilized healthcare costs for workers and employers for the next four years.

“I’m proud to say labor and management have come together to do what’s best for Pittsburgh,” said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ Pennsylvania State Director. “This is a win-win agreement that benefits businesses, workers and tenants alike.”

With 5 days before the contract was set to expire, the 32BJ Bargaining Committee reached the four-year agreements on October 26th with Quality Services Inc. and other cleaning contractors such ISS Facility Services, ABM Industries Inc., and St. Moritz Building.

“These contracts will help ensure a more professionalized workforce and provide the training necessary to improve industry standards,” said Hermaine Delaney, 32BJ Area Director, Western Pennsylvania and chief negotiator. “Making sure the men and women who keep our offices clean, safe and running smoothly get paid fairly is a smart investment in both our economy and into maintaining these properties.”

Members of 32BJ SEIU clean most major commercial office buildings in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including at the Southside Works Complex, the PPG Buildings, the USX Tower, the PNC Bank buildings, Gateway Center, the Koppers Building, and Bayer.

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.

“These are the kind of good jobs that are essential to rebuilding the middle class and the economic well-being of our cities,” said Valarie Long, 32BJ Vice President. “Cleaners in Pittsburgh are united with 32BJ members up and down the East Coast in a campaign to help more working families reclaim the American Dream.”

With more than 120,000 members, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. For more information, go to http://www.StandWithBuildingWorkers.org/WPA

# # #

New Contracts for Pittsburgh Commercial Office Cleaners

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32BJ of the SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Julie Karant: 646-584-9001

Jennifer England: 412-513-9091

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, October 27, 2011

NEW 4-YEAR CONTRACTS FOR ALLEGHENY COUNTY COMMERCIAL OFFICE CLEANERS PROTECTS MORE THAN 1,200 GOOD JOBS

Labor-Management Accord to Help Boost Economy and Ensure Quality Service for Tenants

 

Pittsburgh, PA – The 32BJ Bargaining Committee today announced tentative agreement on four-year contracts, subject to ratification, covering more than 1,200 commercial office cleaners in Allegheny County. The new contracts will provide reasonable wage increases and stabilize health care costs over the next four years.

“I’m proud to say labor and management have come together to do what’s best for Pittsburgh,” said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ Pennsylvania State Director. “This is a win-win agreement that benefits businesses, workers and tenants alike.”

 

32BJ worked with Quality Services Inc. and other cleaning contractors such ISS Facility Services, ABM Industries Inc., and St. Moritz Building to reach the four-year agreements. Union members must still ratify the tentative agreements.

 

“These contracts will help ensure a more professionalized workforce and provide the training necessary to improve industry standards,” said Hermaine Delaney, 32BJ Area Director, Western Pennsylvania and chief negotiator. “Making sure the men and women who keep our offices clean, safe and running smoothly get paid fairly is a smart investment in both our economy and into maintaining these properties.”
Members of 32BJ SEIU clean most major commercial office buildings in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including at the Southside Works Complex, the PPG Buildings, the USX Tower, the PNC Bank buildings, Gateway Center, the Koppers Building, and Bayer.

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.

 

“These are the kind of good jobs that are essential to rebuilding the middle class and the economic well-being of our cities,” said Valarie Long, 32BJ Vice President. “Cleaners in Pittsburgh are united with 32BJ members up and down the East Coast in a campaign to help more working families reclaim the American Dream.”

 

With more than 120,000 members, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

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Working Hard for the 1%, Struggling with the 99%

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Cynthia Kessler, St. Moritz Building Services Office Cleaner at PPG Place, Pittsburgh

Cynthia works hard every day to keep the PPG Place clean and running smoothly. When top executives finish their day, she continues working to keep their offices clean and well-maintained so the next day they can conduct their business.
But when it takes two paychecks to cover the rent and with the cost of living going up, she is struggling.

Remember Cynthia and thousands of corporate office cleaners across the region who are negotiating a new contract with many of the leaders of the $400 million commercial real estate industry of Pittsburgh.

These workers make Pittsburgh run. They need good jobs to support their families and make our communities strong.

 

Download the PDF

 

Rally for Good Jobs in Philadelphia

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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

Member Interviews from Philly Rally

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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:

A Message from Mike

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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

Thousands of Property Service Workers Rally for Good Jobs

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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.

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The Campaign Starts in Philadelphia: Rally Coverage

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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 –

Thousands of Cleaners from Philadelphia and Seven States to Rally for a Fair Contract

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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

THOUSANDS OF CLEANERS FROM PHILADELPHIA AND SEVEN STATES TO RALLY FOR A FAIR CONTRACT

 - 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.

# #

 

 

The Campaign for GOOD JOBS Starts in Philadelphia

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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!

WHAT: Rally for Good Jobs & Strong Communities
WHO: 2,000 32BJ members and supporters
SEIU President Mary Kay Henry
32BJ President Mike Fishman
Congressman Bob Brady
WHERE: Dilworth Park, Centre City, Philadelphia
WHEN: 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, Sept 28th

On September 28 in Philadelphia — and in 21 22 other cities across the country — thousands of SEIU members and our supporters will rally 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.

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.

Bargaining has begun in three major metro areas.

Signup | Inscripción

 

 

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!

Cleaners and Security Officers Set Up Mock Medical Clinic Outside Insurer’s Building

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Julie Karant: 646-584-9001
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
917-584-0787

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 15, 2011

CLEANERS AND SECURITY OFFICERS SET UP MOCK MEDICAL CLINIC OUTSIDE INSURER’S BUILDING

– Mock Clinic Spotlights that Workers at Insurer’s Building Lack Access to Affordable Care –

 

Pittsburgh, PA – The men and women who clean and secure the Pittsburgh headquarters of Western Pennsylvania Allegheny Healthcare Systems (WPAHS) engaged in street theater on Thursday to protest their lack of access to affordable health care and poverty-like wages. Cleaners, employed by Triangle Services, and security officers, employed by Cauley Security Services, conducted mock healthcare screenings and asked tenants of the office building to donate food. The closure of Isabella Street for the event added to the theater-like atmosphere.

“It’s become all too easy to say that in tough times working people must make sacrifices when the truth is it’s corporations like WPAHS that are in the position to make concessions,” said Reverend Ken Love of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. “Ensuring that hard-working men and women have good jobs with decent pay and health care is essential to building strong communities and keeping a strong economy.”

Reverend Ken Love of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network joined the group outside after being part of a delegation that attempted to meet with company executives. The delegation wanted to urge WPAHS executives to make sure that cleaners and security officers at the building get decent pay and affordable health care. The actions on Thursday came two days after negotiations began for a new union contract for the more than 2,100 commercial office cleaners represented by 32BJ in Allegheny County. Earlier in the week, 32BJ met with and representatives for the county’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies such as ISS Facility Services, ABM Industries Inc., and St. Moritz Building Services. The four-year contract will expire at midnight on October 31, 2011.

“When companies pay better, people stay and do a better job. Everybody wins,” said Robert Mixen, a downtown cleaner and father of five.

Wages for cleaners in Allegheny County range from $9.60 an hour for part-time cleaners in the suburbs to $14.92 an hour for full-time cleaners in the City of Pittsburgh. Full-time workers receive employer contributions for family health insurance, while part-time workers receive employer-paid prescription drug coverage. Most are eligible to receive paid holidays, paid vacation, and personal days. Cauley Security Services pays its security officers as little as $8.50 an hour with no real benefits. 32BJ is working to raise industry standards improve conditions for security officers in Pittsburgh.

Economists anticipate that rents in the Pittsburgh Central Business District will increase up to 7% annually during the life of the next contract. Experts also indicate that a tightening office market in the Central Business District is beginning to swing the bargaining power from tenants towards landlords. The event drew enough attention from motorists and passersby that Isabella Street was closed as a safety precaution. in front of the building was closed to traffic for the event.

The 2,100 cleaning workers in Allegheny County are among more than 60,000 from Hartford, Conn., to Virginia who are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards.

With more than 120,000 members, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

# # #

Bargaining Begins in Three Major Metro Areas

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Washington DC | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh

32BJ has begun important negotiations for new contracts for our members in three districts: the Capital Area District, the Mid-Atlantic District and Western PA.

“A good, fair contract will provide working families with what they need, our economy with a boost and local governments with more tax revenue,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. “Our 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 families.”

Here’s what our members are saying about the contract negotiations:

“Our workload is growing, but not our wages.”
- Oscar
Washington, DC		 “I’ve got two kids in college, a mortgage to pay and groceries, I’m struggling like many people here every day.”
- Angel
Philadephia, PA		 “When companies pay better, people stay and do a better job. Everybody wins.”
- Robert
Pittsburgh, PA
  • In the Capital Area, negotiations began for 5,000 commercial cleaners in Washington, D.C., nearly 4,000 in Northern Virginia, over 1,500 in Montgomery County, MD and over 700 in Baltimore on September 8, 2011.
  • In Philadelphia, negotiations began concerning more than 2,600 property service workers on September 9, 2011.
  • In Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, negotiations began concerning more than 2,100 commercial office cleaners on September 13, 2011.

 

Cleaners and Security Officers Rally in Pittsburgh

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Pittsburgh, PA (9/15/2011) – The men and women who clean and secure the Pittsburgh headquarters of Western Pennsylvania Allegheny Healthcare Systems (WPAHS) engaged in street theater on Thursday to protest their lack of access to affordable health care and poverty-like wages. Cleaners, employed by Triangle Services, and security officers, employed by Cauley Security Services, conducted mock healthcare screenings and asked tenants of the office building to donate food. The closure of Isabella Street for the event added to the theater-like atmosphere.

Photos on Flickr: Cleaners and Security Officers Rally in Pittsburgh

Press release for this event.

Contract Talks Open for More Than 2,100 Allegheny County Commercial Office Cleaners

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Julie Karant: 646-584-9001
Matt Nerzig: 917-584-0787

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

 

CONTRACT TALKS OPEN FOR MORE THAN 2,100 ALLEGHENY COUNTY COMMERCIAL OFFICE CLEANERS

– Union Proposals Focus on Protecting Good Jobs to Strengthen the Economy –

Pittsburgh, PA – Negotiations for a new union contract covering more than 2,100 commercial office cleaners in Allegheny County will begin on Tuesday between 32BJ and representatives of the real estate industry. 32BJ presented its contract proposals to representatives for the County’s major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies such as ISS Facility Services, ABM Industries Inc., and St. Moritz Building Services.

“Our proposal would help create and protect good jobs that are essential to the economic well-being of our city,” said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ Pennsylvania State Director. “Ensuring men and women can support their families has the added benefit of helping to stimulate our local economy and rebuild our middle class.”

Wages for cleaners in Allegheny County range from $9.60 an hour for part-time cleaners in the suburbs to $14.92 an hour for full-time cleaners in the City of Pittsburgh. Full-time workers receive employer contributions for family health insurance, while part-time workers receive employer-paid prescription drug coverage. Most are eligible to receive paid holidays, paid vacation, and personal days.

Economists anticipate that rents in the Pittsburgh Central Business District will increase up to 7% annually during the life of the next contract. Experts also indicate that a tightening office market in the Central Business District is beginning to swing the bargaining power towards landlords.

“A good, fair contract will provide working families with what they need, our economy with a boost and local governments with more tax revenue,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. “Our 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 families.”

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.

“When companies pay better, people stay and do a better job. Everybody wins,” said Robert Mixen, a downtown cleaner and father of five.

With more than 120,000 members, including 5,000 in Western Pennsylvania, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

# # #

Justice for Janitors Day 2011

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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:

  • Jaime Contreras / SEIU Local 32BJ
    Noticias a las 11 WFDC (UNI) Washington DC 06/15/11 11:00-11:30 PM Length: 02:26
    Click here to download

Justice for Janitors in Western Pennsylvania:

  • SEIU Local 32BJ – Rally For Better Pay
    11 News at 5 WPXI (NBC) Pittsburgh 06/15/11 5-6 PM Length: 00:40 
    Click here to download

March for the Middle Class in New York City: