NEW YORK CITY OFFICE CLEANERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT PROVIDING WAGE INCREASES, MAINTAINING FAMILY HEALTH CARE AND PROTECTING 22,000 GOOD JOBS

January 27, 2012

by New York RealEstateRama

New York, NY – January 27, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City office cleaners ratified a four-year agreement with the Realty Advisory Board (RAB) on Tuesday that provides a 5.6% wage increase over the life of the contract and bonuses totaling $1,100.00. The agreement also maintains fully employer-paid family health care coverage.

“This is a fair agreement with modest wage increases that will help the 22,000 building cleaners remain a part of the City’s middle class,” said Mike Fishman President of 32BJ SEIU. “This contract will help workers support their families, and contribute to the growth of the economy.”

The contract, set to expire in 2015, also calls for the establishment of a joint 32BJ-real estate industry project to promote economic development and good jobs. The project, which will be guided by directors from both 32BJ and the real estate industry, will explore ways for the union and the industry to work together to advance robust and responsible development in New York City.

New York City office building workers clean and maintain major buildings and locations including the Rockefeller Center, the MetLife Building, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, Port Authority, and the Time Warner Center.

With more than 120,000 members, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country and the largest private-sector union in the state.

For more information, visit www.standwithbuildingworkers.org .

Contact:
Matt Nerzig: 212-539-2882
Ana Maria Cruz: 212-539-2793