Sacramento, CA – Janitors overwhelmingly ratified a new contract Saturday, covering 2,000 workers. The four-year contract includes wage increases totaling more than 21 percent, dental benefits available for the first time, and improved access to family health care.
The deal, tentatively reached Friday afternoon following around-the-clock negotiations, averts a strike that would have had a major impact in the downtown and Capitol area. In the past few weeks, janitors marched with supporters and picketed peacefully to raise awareness of their struggles.
"Every month is a struggle, with gas prices, rent, bills, and food. But I keep working hard for my children," said Maricela Espinoza, a janitor at the 555 Capitol Mall building. "That’s why I got involved with the union to win this contract. Now I hope to earn health care for my children and one day be able to take them to the dentist."
"Justice to me means earning enough for my family to live in a safe apartment," shared Celia Miranda, a janitor who works two jobs and cannot afford health insurance. "Justice means not having to worry about taking my son to the doctor or dentist. I want him to have all the opportunities in the world."
"This is the best settlement we’ve ever reached in Sacramento, and it will make a big difference for janitors’ families over the next four years," said Mike Garcia, president of SEIU Local 1877. "We have reached milestones in several areas, reflective of the great strides that Sacramento janitors have made. Janitors gained a record wage increase. They also secured their highest levels of health insurance, a stable structure for family health care, and the opportunity to earn dental insurance for the first time. We are creating one Northern California contract, in recognition that janitors work for many of the same companies across Northern California, and this should improve their rights on the job.
"This agreement came together when building owners and elected officials took initiative and encouraged a fair deal for the janitors who keep their buildings and their City running smoothly," Garcia added.
Highlights of the Sacramento Janitors’ Agreement
The contract will be in effect for nearly four years, lasting into 2012. It includes many important gains for janitors, whose current wages start at $8.50 per hour:
Wage increases of 50 cents per hour each of the first three years and 30 cents in the fourth year. The increases add up to 21 percent over the four-year contract, reaching $10.30 an hour in 2011.
Health Care maintained at current levels, with janitors eligible after nine months.
Family Health Care maintained and access improved. Beginning in the fourth year of the contract, family members will be eligible for health care after a janitor has worked 24 months on the job, down from the current 30 months.
Dental Care will be available for the first time, beginning in the fourth year of the contract. Janitors with five years of seniority can earn dental care at that time.
Regional Standards for Northern California janitors, from Silicon Valley to Sacramento. While wages will be negotiated separately in recognition of different local economies, workers’ rights and protections will be standardized under one Northern California contract.
Funding for Education Programs where janitors can study English and learn computer skills.
Further information will be available on the janitors’ union website www.seiu-usww.org.