SEIU Local 49 Janitors and Security Officers Win Historic New Contracts Recognizing Their Dedication and Work in Keeping Portland Open
Union Janitors and Security Officers who keep Portland safe, clean, and secure overwhelmingly vote “Yes!” to ratify new collective agreements!
Just before their contracts were set to expire, SEIU Local 49 janitors and security officers approved groundbreaking new agreements. These contracts focus on important issues like wages, paid time off, and other benefits, showing respect for our hard work during the pandemic and as the country continues to recover.
"This ratification is a significant victory for our members," said Maggie Long, Executive Director of SEIU Local 49. "Our janitors and security officers have been on the front lines, ensuring our city remains clean and secure. These contracts not only recognize their essential contributions but also provide them with the wages and benefits they deserve. This results in sustainable jobs with less turnover and experienced workers—a positive for employers and their clients alike."
Key highlights of the new contracts include:
Wage Increases: Big wage hikes to match the cost of living and the important roles janitors and security officers play keeping our city clean and safe. Security officers will get an average raise of $3.60 per hour by the end of their contract. Upon ratification, at least 39% of our janitorial members will earn at least $20 per hour!
Paid Time Off: More paid time off, allowing workers more time to rest and care for their families.
Health and Safety Improvements: Promises for safer working conditions and manageable workloads to ensure the well-being of the janitors and security officers.
Janitors and security officers have pushed for these changes under the rally cry of: "Respect Us, Protect Us, Pay Us." Our new contracts show our determination and unity, following agreements in cities like Chicago and Seattle as part of a national movement of SEIU janitors and security officers negotiating contracts this year.
Renato Quintero, the Executive Board Vice President of SEIU Local 49 Property Services and a janitor at Intel and, said, "What we've achieved here is monumental. We can now look forward to better wages, improved benefits, and a greater sense of security for our families. Our hard work and persistence have paid off."
Similarly, Michael Lindsey, a security officer with Garda, shared their thoughts: "This new contract means a lot to us. It acknowledges the crucial role we play in keeping Portland safe and provides us with the support we need to continue doing our jobs effectively. We can now focus on our work knowing officers and our families are well taken care of."
The approval of these new contracts affects nearly 2,000 workers across the Portland area. Our victory shows how unity helps us secure fair wages and benefits, even as living costs rise in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation.
These contracts will also positively impact our community. With an extra $9 million in community spending generated between the two groups, these agreements mean workers can better support our local economies. With better wages and benefits, janitors and security officers—many of whom are Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, and working-class white folks—gain more financial stability and spending power. This helps us support our families, bridge economic gaps, and create a more inclusive and fair community!
Local officials, including Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pedersen, have voiced their support for janitors and security officers, highlighting the city's commitment to promoting union jobs through contracts for janitorial and security services.
These contracts show our union's dedication to improving the lives of working families. We have taken important steps to ensure the work we do in keeping our city clean and safe is recognized, and workers are treated with the dignity and respect we deserve. Because when we fight, we win!
