Did You Know?
- The cost of living in the Seattle metropolitan area has increased more than 20% since January 2021.
- Many contractors have not rebuilt their janitorial workforce after Covid, which means hundreds of janitors have been left without jobs.
- Those who are employed are expected to put in more hours and take on a much heavier load. The increased workload can result in serious injuries, extensive time away from their families, and higher costs for child care.
When janitors aren’t paid a fair wage or their medical benefits get cut, they may be forced to take on second jobs or risk sacrificing even their most basic needs. SEIU6 is entering into negotiations with janitorial contractors to improve janitors’ economic situation. If negotiations fall through, it could culminate in a labor strike, which means an interruption in critical janitorial services. No one wants that to happen.
RSVP to Our June 21st Rally
In this upcoming janitorial contract, I am fighting for good medical. I have already experienced the weight of not having insurance. Good insurance will ensure I can adequately support my daughter through college and continue to provide for us.
I joined the bargaining team because my daughter encouraged me to speak up for my co-workers. Being bilingual at my workplace, I translate for my Spanish-speaking co-workers. I joined the union to be a voice for those who dare not speak up for themselves.
I’m a janitorial foreman and I’ve been working in this industry for 10 years. I’m on a team of night shift janitors. Without us in the building, these buildings would not be maintained. We put in a lot of work at night. Owners need to know that we’re really sweating to take care of these buildings. We keep the floors cleaned, keep them vacuumed and waxed. We detail all the offices and meeting spaces. We clean the bathrooms and kitchens. We flag maintenance issues that need to be taken care of the next day. We take care of these buildings, and the owners need to take care of us.
Here’s What We’re Fighting For:
1. Fair Wages: Ensuring all contracted union janitors are compensated fairly for their hard work.
2. Medical Benefits: Janitors need access to quality medical insurance for peace of mind and security for themselves and their families.
3. Respectful Workplace: Our members are resilient, committed, hardworking people who are doing their best to build a life for themselves and their families. But that’s really tough to do when the average salary for janitors is less than $45,000 a year. Wage increases and the preservation of medical care will build help build a respectful workplace.
PETITION: HIGHER WAGES + GOOD BENEFITS FOR JANITORS
When I immigrated to America last year, I had nothing. I did not have family in the States to help me transition, and my English was not good. So, I started from the bottom.
My job as a janitor helps me create a foundation for myself in this new country, with a roof over my head, food, and the ability to keep up with bills. More importantly, it helps me be able to support my child, who is still in Egypt, and afford the immigration fees for my family. As a refugee, you were dependent on an organization for everything, but now, with a livable wage, I can achieve independence for myself.
For years I’ve worked 16 or 18 hour days to try to bring my family to safety. I was able to bring my mother over. My children were born here. They’re 16, 15, 13, and 9.
Working janitorial, it has always been hard. With the wages, we live paycheck to paycheck. Our medical care is very important to us. For this contract, I will be fighting to maintain our medical. I need this safety for myself, my husband, and my kids.