Saint Louis University Essential Workers Win Stronger Protections In New Contract As COVID-19 Pandemic Worsens
Local 1 custodians, groundskeepers, distribution workers win $15 minimum wage in 2022, ahead of university’s 2024 deadline
ST. LOUIS – By an overwhelming margin, SEIU Local 1 custodians, groundskeepers, and distribution workers at Saint Louis University ratified a strong new contract covering nearly 150 essential workers at the university. The agreement includes guaranteed PPE, additional paid sick days and the highest-ever raises for Local 1 members at SLU. With COVID-19 cases spiking in the St. Louis area, Local 1 members will continue to work to protect the public as the pandemic worsens while fighting to protect their jobs.
“We put our health on the line every day as we work hard to keep SLU’s campus clean, safe, and healthy during this unprecedented pandemic,” said SEIU Local 1 SLU groundskeeper Dave Eaton. “Because we fought for our families and our community, we won a safer future, and will continue to fight to protect our jobs at the university.”
“Local 1 custodians, groundskeepers, and distribution workers came together and showed they are pivotal in keeping students and faculty safe and healthy,” said SEIU Local 1 SLU adjunct faculty Micheal Smith. “Our campus community will continue to fight to ensure SLU will not use this crisis as an opportunity to outsource their jobs to outside contractors.”
The ratification is the latest chapter in the fight for One St. Louis, a region where all working people make at least $15 an hour with good union jobs to make our metro area more equitable across racial lines.
The new three-year union contract guarantees:
A path to a minimum wage of $15 an hour by 2022, ahead of the University’s 2024 $15 plan, which will help SLU essential workers support their families while strengthening their communities;
Additional paid sick days which are even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guaranteed PPE and stronger COVID-19 protection language as workers continue working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, higher education faculty, food service workers, airport workers and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.