Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Supported by local and state politicians, community and faith leaders, we’ve won the most improved contract for janitors in St. Louis ever!! Concluding negotiations in early February, the member-driven negotiating team approved our tentative agreement with the Contract Cleaners Association. Janitors ratified the contract by a vote of 90% in favor. Highlights of the agreement include:

• a 23% wage increase over the life of the contract
• the opportunity for health insurance for full-time janitors
• improvements in health and welfare and pension for all janitors, both part-time and full-time

The contract also includes a provision that increases the wages and benefits even higher when 85% of the office space in Downtown St. Louis and Clayton is cleaned by Union janitors.

Together, we can reach 85% by engaging nonunion janitors, talking to our coworkers at our jobsites, speaking with our relatives and neighbors who work for nonunion companies, encouraging the support of our faith leaders and fellow church members, and reaching out to our political leaders. If you are interested in reaching 85% to further increase St. Louis janitors’ wages and benefits, please contact your Union Representative at 314-647-9950.

In Kansas City, we are still negotiating the janitors’ contract. Members have been rallying regularly outside of nonunion buildings to demonstrate our strength in improving our wages and working conditions in Kansas City. To get involved in these rallies and events, please contact Justin McBride at the Kansas City Union office at (816) 931-9100.

Our continuing political success has earned St. Louis janitors protection from frequently changing contractors. The Worker Displacement Act (WDA) requires that when a janitorial contractor loses a contract at a building in the City of St. Louis, the incoming contractor must hire the janitors currently working in that building for at least ninety days. Volunteer members attended meetings and related their stories of displacement to representatives on the Board of Aldermen, which passed the WDA unanimously. The ordinance enhances job security for janitors throughout the City of St. Louis.

In the Allied Division, we are facing the loss of the TUMS plant where we have over 300 worker/members.  The Company has decided to close the facility and move the operations to Detroit, Memphis and Mexico.  We were able to negotiate a severance package for our sisters and brothers in Pinckneyville, IL.  Many of the workers will go to state-funded school programs to increase and improve their work skills. To take advantage of this educational opportunity or other support programs intended to help laid off TUMS employees, please contact Ed LaPorte at (314) 647-9950, ext. 112.

Finally, I’d like to thank all of the members who participated in our janitors’ contract campaign, in the passing of the WDA, and in negotiations at their plants.  

In Solidarity,

Nancy E. Cross
Vice-President