DC Office Building Custodians Demand Higher Wages

As reported by WTOP-TV, office building custodians from the Washington, D.C., area marched through downtown Washington on National Custodial Workers Recognition Day, advocating for increased wages and other favorable terms in their upcoming union contract. The union, 32BJ SEIU, is in negotiations with the Washington Service Contractors Association, which represents 24 businesses across Washington and Baltimore, Maryland.

As the expiration of the current contract approaches on October 15, the union organized a strike vote at Franklin Square. Key points of contention include the association’s intent to reduce five-hour shifts to four hours, which the union argues would equate to a 20% wage decrease for more than 1,000 workers and impose a greater workload within a shorter time frame.

The union is also lobbying for pay raises for workers earning US$17.95 per hour in Washington, citing higher wages in cities like Philadelphia.

As living costs rise in the area, the workers, many of whom are immigrants, are finding it challenging to afford housing. Jaime Contreras, leader of 32BJ’s Capital Area District, emphasized the workers’ dedication during the pandemic and appealed for companies to acknowledge their sacrifices.

“These workers are tired, they worked through the pandemic, they showed up to work during the pandemic—risking their lives, their family’s lives,” Contreras told WTOP. “Now it’s time for the companies to recognize that sacrifice.”