Janitors announce tentative deal preserving health care benefits

SEATTLE — Puget Sound janitors, members of SEIU Local 6, announced a tentative agreement late Wednesday with janitorial employers on a four-year contract covering almost 3,000 workers that provides a modest wage increase and protects the healthcare benefits which workers say was their top priority. The agreement, still to be ratified, maintains full health care coverage for janitors and their families.

The SEIU Local 6 bargaining team has recommended that members approve the tentative agreement. Janitors will meet for a contract ratification vote this Saturday, June 30, the day the current contract expires.

“We set out to bargain a contract that will provide janitors with wages that will support their families and allow them to retire in dignity,” said Sergio Salinas, President of SEIU Local 6. “This tentative agreement is a victory for janitors, for the economy and for our communities.”

Janitors and community supporters will host a small rally in Downtown Seattle at the corner of 4th Avenue and Madison St. this Friday, June 29, in celebration of the tentative agreement.