St. Louis Board of Aldermen Unanimously Pass Resolution in Support of Essential Janitors Who Rejected Contract Offer from Contract Cleaners Association
The resolution in support of 1,600 working families comes after an overwhelming “No” vote on the offer from the Contract Cleaners Association
ST. LOUIS, MO — Today, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a resolution in support of SEIU Local 1 essential janitors in their fight to win a fair contract that includes living wages and benefits for working families. The passing of the resolution sponsored by 9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning comes after essential janitors overwhelmingly voted “No” on the cleaning contractors’ offer, which included base wage rates just 45 cents above minimum wage and only seven cents more toward retirement that wouldn’t take effect until 2028. Additionally, accepting the contractors’ offer would’ve eliminated dental insurance for these working families.
The cleaning companies in the Contract Cleaners Association sitting across the negotiating table from essential janitors include the two biggest cleaning contracting companies servicing St. Louis, 4M and Clean-Tech, along with Woodley Building Maintenance, SBM, and ABM. Negotiations will resume on December 2, 2025.
For months, Local 1 janitors who keep hundreds of buildings in greater St. Louis safe and sanitized have been active in their fight for a fair contract – holding a rally at the Anheuser-Busch Flagship Brewery on November 1st the day after the janitorial contract expired, delegating buildings, and campaigning for a strong, fair contract because working families deserve good paying Union jobs. Despite their hard work, many are struggling to make ends meet, even while juggling two or three jobs.
“I’d like to thank the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, 9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning, and President Megan Green for passing this resolution and standing with working families as we fight to get the contract we deserve,” said Belinda Hutcherson, Local 1 bargaining committee member and 4M janitor. “We are tired of chump change in our raises when our companies are raking in money like crazy. I am proud to stand with my union family and ready to fight to get the pay and benefits we deserve.”
“By unanimously passing this resolution, the Board of Aldermen are clear in signaling that they will fight alongside essential workers who know their worth,” said Chris Rak, SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Missouri Director. “The contract offered to the 1,600 janitors who ensure hundreds of buildings are safe and sanitized fell way short of what working people deserve, and members are ready to continue this fight.”