Fort Lauderdale, Fl –More than 270 janitors at Fort Lauderdale International Airport have won a first-ever union contract with employer paid healthcare, paid vacation and job security. After months of negotiations with area cleaning contractor Sunshine Cleaning Systems Inc.,, the cleaners, ratified a contract that secures a $11.13 an hour living wage improves health benefits, including employer paid healthcare, dental and vision coverage and creates a grievance process promoting job security.
“This contract is a win-win for working families and our city, and a model for other employers in Fort Lauderdale” said Mayor Ken Keechl. “Making sure that working families in Fort Lauderdale can make ends meet is good for our communities and our local economy.”
Under the new 3 years contract, which will go into effect on January 1, 2010, Sunshine will provide employer paid healthcare coverage including, a prescription drug benefit, dental and visual healthcare as well as paid vacations and personal days.
“At a time of economic crisis the men and women who keep Fort Lauderdale Airport running have successfully won improved benefits and secured a living wage,” said Eric Brakken, Director of 32BJ SEIU in Florida, the largest property service workers union in the country.
For several months, the union has negotiated on behalf of the airport cleaners who maintain the facilities at Fort Lauderdale International. These cleaners now join thousands of other 32BJ SEIU members who have won contracts improving standards for janitors across the country.
“Until a solution is found for our national health care crisis, employer paid health care coverage is the only option for low wage workers,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ.
With more than 120,000 members in eight states and Washington D.C., 32BJ is the largest property service union in the country.
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updated 1/19/2010
