SEIU Local 49 Janitors and Security Officers' Win Historic New Contracts Recognizing Their Dedication and Work in Keeping Portland Open

 July 1, 2024 

Contact: Alan Dubinsky, Communications Director, SEIU Local 49
Email: aland@seiu49.org
Phone: 971-678-2469

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

Portland, OR – With only days before their contract was set to expire, SEIU Local 49 janitors and security officers have ratified groundbreaking new contracts with their employers. These contracts address the key issues of wages, paid time off, and other benefits, demonstrating respect for the workers who diligently maintained downtown Portland and the Metro area through the pandemic.

"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: Substantial wage hikes that reflect the cost of living and the vital roles janitors and security officers play in maintaining the city's infrastructure. Security officers will see an average wage increase of $3.60/hour by the end of their contract. Upon ratification, at least 39% of our janitorial members will be earning a minimum of $20/hour!

* Paid Time Off: Enhanced paid time off provisions, allowing workers more time to rest and care for their families.

* Health and Safety Improvements: Commitments to safer working conditions and manageable workloads to ensure the well-being of the janitors and security officers.

Janitors and security officers have been advocating for these improvements under the rallying cry "Respect Us, Protect Us, Pay Us." These new contracts are a testament to their determination and solidarity, following agreements reached in Chicago, Seattle, and more as part of a national movement of SEIU janitors and security officers bargaining contracts nationwide this year.

Renato Quintero, a janitor at Intel, expressed his gratitude for the new agreement. "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 perspective: "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 ratification of these contracts also marks a pivotal moment as SEIU Local 49 janitors' and security officers' bargaining efforts coincide, collectively impacting nearly 2,000 workers across the city. These combined efforts underscore the importance of union solidarity in securing fair wages and benefits amidst rising living costs in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation.

The economic impact of these contracts will have positive impacts throughout the community. With an additional $9 million in community spending generated between the two, these agreements will significantly benefit local economies. By securing better wages and benefits, janitors and security officers—many of whom are Black, brown, Indigenous, immigrant, and working-class white folks—will have more financial stability and spending power. This investment in frontline workers not only supports their families but also helps bridge economic disparities and fosters a more inclusive and equitable community.

Local officials, including Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pedersen, have voiced their support for the janitors and security officers, emphasizing the city's commitment to promoting union jobs through contractual agreements for janitorial and security services.

SEIU Local 49 remains dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families. These new contracts are significant steps towards ensuring that those who keep our city clean and safe are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

About SEIU Local 49
SEIU Local 49 represents more than 15,000 healthcare and building service workers, including janitors, airport cleaners, security officers, cabin cleaners, passenger service agents, and baggage handlers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We are a member of the Service Employees International Union, an organization of 2 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide and dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society. For more information, visit: seiu49.org.