University Custodians Win Labor Dispute Settlement Against Contractor

Custodians at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia recently won a settlement against their employer, H&E Cleaning Service Inc.—a subcontractor of the Falls Church, Virginia-based contractor LT Services Inc. and the main cleaning contractor of the university—according to Tyson Reporter.

Although the custodians are not currently members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board on their behalf on June 24 at Manassas, Virginia.

In the complaint, union leaders alleged that custodians experienced retaliation from their employer when engaging in union-related activities. The employer also allegedly denied custodians extra pay for additional work they have performed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The settlement will uphold the National Labor Relations Act. H&E is required to send notice to current and former employees who worked with them since June 1 of their rights, according to a copy of the settlement agreement. The employees have a right to form a union and engage in union-related activities with other employees. Additionally, H&E cannot question or threaten employees who engage in union activities, according to the agreement.

“This victory is critical in protecting the janitors’ rights to the union organizing and bargaining that is often the only way they can access workplace safety protections, including [personal protective equipment] provided by their employer,” an SEIU Local 32BJ person told Tyson Reporter.