NEWARK, NJ-A possible strike by 7,000 union office cleaners around New Jersey was averted four days before the deadline, as the Local 32BJ SEIU Bargaining Committee announced a tentative agreement for a four-year contract with a consortium of contractors.
If ratified, the wages of building cleaners represented by 32BJ would increase each year over the four years covered by the contract. Health care coverage and other benefits, another sticking point during negotiations, will also continue.
“This agreement protects 7,000 good jobs, which is a win for the state’s working families, businesses and taxpayers,” said Kevin Brown, New Jersey State director for 32BJ in a prepared statement. “The increased wages will help hardworking men and women across New Jersey better support their families, which will contribute to our state's future economic growth.”
Over the next four years, hourly pay for cleaners will increase from the current rates of: $12 in most of the state; $11.50 in Bergen and Mercer counties; and $14 in downtown Newark and in the office towers along the Hudson waterfront. Members of 32BJ maintain some of best-known properties in the state, according to union spokesmen.
With the current contract to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, negotiations had begun in October. Earlier this month, more than 2,000 union office cleaners representing 7,000 from around New Jersey voted unanimously to authorize their bargaining committee to call a strike if necessary on Jan. 3, after the observance of the New Year’s holiday.
SEIU members are also involved in contract talks throughout the East Coast: A meeting is scheduled today between the local and the Hartford Area Cleaning Contractors Association, according to published reports. Tentative deals have been reached in Hudson Valley, Fairfield County and Delaware.
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