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Published: January 15, 2008

Office workers won’t have to cross a picket line, be greeted by the blow-up rat in the parking lot, polish the cafeteria floor or clean the office toilet. Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union announced today they’d cut a deal with leading cleaning contractors who service office buildings Island-wide. It was touch and go for a while there, with the 1,000 strong cleaners local unified even while working without a contract since Jan. 1, prompting the rank and file to authorize its bargaining committee to call a strike if terms were not agreeable.

The new deal is for four years and will boost wages up to 20.5 percent, increase starting wages and improve benefits for part time workers.

The two sides on Long Island were compatible on one score; they were the most bull-headed in the region, with the union shaking hands with all other contractors throughout the northeast weeks ahead of today’s settlement.

From the union’s press release:

        “The new contract provides wage increases and benefits that hard-working office cleaners need to support their families,” said Shirley Aldebol, Local 32BJ Long Island Director.

        Over the four years, workers will receive a two-dollar wage increase, which amounts to 17.4% to 20.5% increases for workers who currently earn between $9.75 and $11.50 an hour. Starting wages will also increase from $9.75 to $11.35 by the end of the contract.

        Part-time workers will receive improved health benefits, including an enhanced prescription drug benefit, dental and optical insurance and life insurance. Full-time workers will retain fully employer paid family health insurance.

        “Expanding health benefits for office cleaners, which was one of our top goals in this contract campaign, will lead to healthier families and communities on Long Island,” said Michael Fishman, Local 32BJ President.”