Airport Custodians Authorize Strike

Custodians at Denver International Airport voted to  authorize a strike as negotiations with their employer have broken down and their contract will expire today, The Denver Gazette reports.

A Service Employees International Union (SEIU) official representing the workers explains the employer, Flagship Facility Services, is not meeting the worker’ demands for a higher salary, Colorado Public Radio reports. The custodians currently earn US$17 an hour but believe they deserve a higher wage after 18 months of working during a pandemic, which has fueled a more intense focus on sanitation at the airport and the connected Westin hotel.  

“We’ve built our lives and our careers at these jobs but putting [ourselves] at risk every day for wages that can’t even pay the rent isn’t what most people would consider a good job,” said Guillermo Booz, one of the union custodians.

Union members began a three-day strike voting process Monday. If a majority votes to authorize a strike, they can launch one as early as today. However, union officials say they will continue to negotiate in the hopes of avoiding a strike.

 “If an agreement can be reached, a strike is not necessary, said David Fernandez, a spokesperson for SEIU. “It’s obviously the last thing these janitors want to have to do.”

Even if union members vote for a strike, they may not immediately walk off the job. The vote will also act as a bargaining chip on the final day of negotiations, which may impact how Flagship responds to union demands. 

Airport officials say they are working closely with Flagship to minimize any disruption in cleaning services if workers do strike.