Published: December 21, 2007

The Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union rejected contract proposals from the Commercial Building Cleaning Contractors Association, citing inadequate pay raises.

Local 32BJ workers are preparing to go on strike if they decide it becomes necessary. A strike could affect more than 700 Baltimore cleaners and 35 buildings, including the Candler, Legg Mason and Bank of America buildings.

City commercial cleaners earn about $7.50 an hour. In addition to securing a wage increase, other goals for the contract negotiations include increasing employer-paid benefits.