Janitors' pact breaks ground on health care

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

By Jane M. Von Bergen

A strike by 2,350 unionized janitors and maintenance workers was averted 20 minutes before a midnight deadline last night when their union and management reached an unusual four-year agreement that broadens health and pension coverage for workers.

The agreement was unusual in these times of union givebacks in that it expands health and pension coverage for workers. Under the terms of the agreement, full-time janitors will no longer have to pay for premiums to cover their families.


APRIL SAUL / Inquiirer Staff Photographer
Local 32BJ members happily announce a settlement this morning at at their headquarters. At center is Wayne MacManiman, Local 32BJ Mid-Atlantic Director; the woman with her arms around him is Elba Mercado, a member of the bargaining team. At left is Valarie Long, union vice president, and at right in the baseball cap is Amendu Evans, another member of the team.


"It was a big issue on their part and we recognized the requirement and were able to find a way to make it happen," said Bob Martin, who heads Building Operator Labor Relations Inc., an arm of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Philadelphia (BOMA).

"Most importantly, by rolling back an unaffordable premium for family health care, cleaners can actually afford to take their kids to the doctor," Wayne MacManiman, Mid-Atlantic director of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, said in a statement.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/news_breaking/20071016_Janitorial_union_reaches_contract_agreement.html

[DesertFlower]

1. wow. good for them.nt

[Javaman]

2. wow, I think I'm going to become a Janitor with those benefits. no kidding. nt