Union members ratify new janitors' contract

8/24/2003

Members of a local union that represents about 650 janitors voted to accept a contract proposal that will provide dental coverage for the first time in decades.

“The voter turnout was higher than I expected,” said Teresa Hayes, a member of the Service Employees International Union Local 47 bargaining committee. “People seemed to be so excited that we're going to get vision and dental coverage.”

Ms. Hayes said 123 people voted to accept the contract, and 13 people voted to reject it.

The four-year contract will give janitors a seventh paid holiday and raises each year. The largest raises, of 25 cents per hour, will be given in the third and fourth years.

Members of the union work for Advanced Cleaning Contractors, Inc.; Holland, Inc.; Kellermeyer Building Services; and Toledo Building Services.