Talks 'cordial' as janitors weigh Center City strike: Update
2,600 SEIU members at more than 100 Philadelphia buildings will vote on strike authorization Sept. 28
Talks 'cordial' as janitors weigh Center City strike: Update
Joseph N. DiStefano
Some 2,600 Philadelphia janitors and office-tower cleaners plan a 1 pm vote Wednesday in Dilworth Plaza next to City Hall on whether to authorize a strike that would idle janitorial crews at Liberty Place, the Commerce Center, Commerce Square and 100 more Center City buildings, according to Wayne MacManiman, regional director for Service Employees International Union Local 32-BJ.
Why strike? MacManiman cited a lack of progress on contract talks over the past three weeks in advance of the workers' Oct. 15 contract deadline. Under the current contract, wages start around $12 an hour for workers at ABM Industries Inc., Arthur Jackson Co. and Shellville Facility Services. A separate contract covering workers in suburban Philadelphia expires later this year, said union spokesman Eugenio Villasante.
UPDATE: Statement from Building Owners Labor Relations Inc. president Robert Martin: “We have had three meetings to date with union representatives. Meetings have been cordial; both sides have explained their positions and negotiations are underway. Another session is scheduled for October 5th and talks will continue throughout the following week. "With regard to Wednesday’s rally by members of Local 32BJ, Mr. Martin said, “We understand and acknowledge the union’s right to rally and march. We appreciate that members have support in the community. Wednesday’s events should not affect our contract talks. We remain confident that a contract agreement can be reached, before the October 15th deadline, that is acceptable to both sides."
One of the backers of the occupy phila movement!!!!! Service Employees International Union Local 32-BJ.— chesterfield- No skill job and they want to get paid like they are skilled. Amazing.— sdrxd
- @ Cleanup... Then you clean it up.— gosixers
- Cleaning up after others is a thankless job (just look at the comments above). The least they can do is give them a livable wage.— Timmy
Comment removed.- I'd do it for $11!— Gilliam
- @ignorant.. Why the dislike of unions?
— DMoore6293 - Comment removed.
- $12 is fair to low for Philly. Compare that to a toll taker on the PA Turnpike starting at $19.50 with benefits that are through the roof— robtpenn
- $12 is reasonable, I hate unions but this rate is fair.— ignorantphillydem
- For what they do.. A starting salary of $15.00 is fair in a city the size of Philly. It's a tedious and dirty job with little thanks. 30k a year is not a lot of money at all. The contracting companies make oodles of cash for supplying theses workers. I'm sure that many of you " winners" out there would love to see them all fired and some other guys come from across the border and make $8 Bucks..
Within a few years you'll sit on these same forums and shout " fire the foreigners " cause they're taking away American jobs! How dare these losers ask for $12.00??!! SMDH
— gosixers - I have no problem giving more money to the "good" janitors who excel at their craft.— Gray Areas
- These people work hard, at a second shift job. The pay ($12 / hour) is reasonable, and a fair raise is warrented.— willll
- You are lucky to have a better job, or a job at all, for giving that comment. Many can only get minimum wage, if that. They have to realize that and be thankful that they work and get paid! Stupid strike for more money when others are still searching...For anything!
— Ben Fan - *Comcast center— Echo
- Comment removed.
