For More Information: Rachel Cohen, rcohen@seiu32bj.org; 917-370-8464

NEW YORK – Building service workers union 32BJ said today it has come to a shared understanding with WeWork to create good jobs for cleaning staff at the co-working start-up’s New York and Boston offices.

WeWork has committed to using responsible cleaning contractors and ensuring good cleaning jobs that will help lift up working people and meet the standards for office cleaning jobs in these two cities. The company has also committed to a plan that will allow its former contracted cleaners to fill open cleaning positions going forward whenever possible as the company expands.

“We appreciate that WeWork engaged in a constructive dialogue with us to ensure good cleaning jobs in New York and Boston,” said 32BJ President Hector Figueroa. “This agreement is a win for working people and helps maintain the standards for good building service jobs in both cities. I salute the courageous workers who took action together and look forward to welcoming them into our union.”

WeWork plans to contract out its core cleaning functions in New York and Boston to responsible contractors consistent with prevailing industry standards.

Former CBM contracted cleaners in New York will be hired whenever possible for new positions as WeWork expands across the city.

WeWork will also arrange to have CBM make severance payments to cover the interruption in their work time and earnings.

“It is very exciting for me and my former coworkers to see that WeWork is committing to good cleaning jobs and that I will have a chance to return to work there,” said Ivan Castelan, who was a CBM contracted cleaner at WeWork in New York. “It feels really good to see that when working people stand together we can change our lives and the lives of other workers for the better.”

Press Conference Call TODAY at NOON with 32BJ Hector Figueroa and former contracted WeWork cleaners.

Call Rachel Cohen for call-in information at 917-370-8464 or email at rcohen@seiu32bj.org or Amity Paye at 617-504-4492 or apaye@seiu32bj.org 

With more than 145,000 members, including 23,000 commercial members in New York City, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.

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