Published: December 26, 2007

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Workers who clean 450 buildings around New Jersey are seeking higher wages and more access to health insurance, their labor union said Wednesday.

The contract covering 7,000 workers expires when the new year begins, and the workers have authorized leaders of Service Employees International Union to call a strike.

Negotiations between Local 32BJ and about 50 cleaning companies, under way since October, are to resume Thursday.

"We will be striking if there is not a contract," said Kevin Brown, New Jersey director for Local 32BJ. He would not disclose what day that would happen, or which employers would be struck.

Workers plan to rally and march several blocks in Newark on Thursday to call attention to their situation.

The union is seeking a four-year contract with about 50 cleaning companies to replace the expiring three-year agreement, Brown said.

Workers also want a wage increase larger than increases in the cost of living, he said. They now make $9.75 to $12.50 an hour.

In addition, the union wants more full-time jobs, since those are eligible for employer-paid family health insurance, he said. Two-thirds of the jobs now are part-time and offer only a prescription plan, he said.

Those who work part-time generally have other jobs, he said. "Our members are struggling to reach the American dream. And when you work three or four jobs, it's just impossible," Brown said.

The union said employers in negotiations include ABM Industries Inc., UGL Unicco and OneSource Services Inc., which is now part of ABM.

A OneSource executive who the union said had spoken for the employers did not immediately return a message Wednesday seeking comment.