SEIU Local 1 Janitors Ratified Historic Contract Impacting Over 500 Members Across Cleveland
The new four-year contract guarantees wage increases, improved benefits, training & legal resources, and a dignified retirement.
CLEVELAND, OH– On Saturday, April 13, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 janitors throughout Cleveland ratified a 4-year contract after weeks of negotiations. The newly ratified contract covers over 500 commercial janitors – the vast majority of whom are Black, brown, immigrant, and women janitors – throughout Cuyahoga County commercial office buildings, and the Steel Mill.
Local 1 janitors are the backbone of downtown Cleveland and surrounding areas – continually risking their health and safety to ensure offices are clean and sanitized, maintain tenants’ safety, and keep downtown desirable. The contract negotiations took place with responsible union janitorial contractors throughout Northeast Ohio, including several national contractors. This new contract ensures SEIU Local 1 members have strong wages, improved benefits, and a dignified retirement that allows janitors to work with dignity.
The Cleveland Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) guarantees:
Wages – Between $3.25/hour and $4.00/hour increase over the life of the contract, including $1.00-$1.75 in the first year; this averages out to 22%-30% wage increases over 4 years.
New Money in Members’ Pockets – Between $17,472.00 - $23,712.00.
Benefits – Protected 100% employer-paid health insurance and kept the pension fund fiscally healthy ensuring a secure retirement for Cleveland janitors.
Sick days – Added three (3) paid sick days so janitors won’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck.
Training/Legal Fund – Members gain access to legal services through a newly established fund, as well as quality training (e.g., Green Janitor Education Program) to ensure that properties utilizing responsible contractors receive the highest level of janitorial service.
“This victory has been a long time coming for janitors as stronger wages have been a priority for me and many of my Local 1 janitorial brothers and sisters,” said SEIU Local 1 janitor Brian Yarbrough. “As everyone knows, inflation is affecting everyone and winning a fair contract with increased wages means janitors can provide for our families and build our future. Our work is often invisible but this contract reflects the hard work we have put in day in and day out to keep our community safe.”
“I'm so grateful for all we have won in our new contract," said SEIU Local 1 janitor Romona Flenory. "I can have peace of mind now, knowing we have won a fair wage increase and not be stressed about paying bills because my paycheck was insufficient. This contract affects not only our lives but also the lives of our families. There is a sense of relief knowing we can build for our futures. For many janitors and me, protecting our pension was essential to ensure janitors across Cleveland could retire and secure our well-being. This contract victory is one where Black, brown, immigrant, and women janitors are respected, protected and paid what we rightfully deserve.”
“I am extremely proud of the hundreds of Local 1 janitors who fought courageously for this historic contract which will impact families for generations to come,” said SEIU Local 1 Ohio State Director and Vice President Yanela Sims. “For too long, janitorial work has been undervalued despite the importance of this work to our community. It was Local 1 janitors who showed up throughout the pandemic and beyond to keep people safe and buildings clean, and they did it selflessly. Local 1 janitors' resilience demonstrates their commitment to building a Cleveland that works for all and this contract is a step in the right direction. This new contract is a victory for immigrant, racial, and environmental justice right here in Cleveland. We applaud the property owners and building managers who are investing in our community and ensuring their properties receive the highest quality of service by utilizing responsible janitorial contractors.”
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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 45,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers, and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.