King County union janitors voted Saturday to ratify a new four-year contract that keeps their employer-paid health insurance and provides raises and seniority rights, according to a news release from the union.
Service Employees International Union 6, which represents 4,000 janitorial members, announced their intention to strike if a new contract was not met by June 30. Members had been negotiating primarily to keep their health insurance, which is 100% employer paid, and for higher wages.
The new contract’s increases and benefits will cost employers like ABM, SBM Management Services, Pacific Building Services and Alliance Building Services, among others, $57.7 million over the life of the contract.
The companies didn’t respond immediately to requests for comment on Monday.
Alongside keeping health insurance intact, the new contract, which took effect Monday, ties janitorial wage increases to King County and Seattle wage increases — with a minimum of a $4.50 raise by the end of contract — and janitors who have more than 10 years experience receiving the largest increase.
The new contract brings more benefits, including a new paid holiday, increased employer contributions to health and welfare trusts, protections for workers returning from extended leave, stronger language determining seniority and a new training fund.
“We had to fight for what we won, and our teamwork paid off. We took a step forward for janitors, for our families, for immigrant workers, and for racial justice,” said SEIU6 President Zenia Javalera. “We will continue to fight for justice all the way to the next contract.”