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Published: January 16, 2008

Long Island office cleaners reached a tentative four-year contract agreement with some of the area's largest cleaning companies yesterday, providing for up to 20 percent wage increases and greatly improved health benefits for about 1,000 workers.

The contract, reached with companies such as One Source and Temco Services, will raise the starting wage from $9.75 to $11.35 and increase pay about $2 an hour. Part-time workers will receive 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 ... will lead to healthier families and communities on Long Island," said Michael Fishman, Local 32BJ president.
A spokesman for the cleaning companies declined to comment.

Newsday's cleaning crew - Mayco Building Services, which employs approximately 80 office cleaners on Long Island - has not attended the ongoing contract negotiations. A union representative said they'll continue talks with Mayco.