Kansas City Councilman Kevin O’Neill Introduces Resolution in Support of SEIU Local 1 Essential Janitors at Joint Press Conference and Rally for Better Wages and Fair Contract
KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, Kansas City Councilman Kevin O’Neill introduced a resolution in support of Local 1 essential janitors who have serviced office buildings throughout Kansas City for years. The resolution was introduced at a rally for better wages and a fair contract as contracts affecting around 800 janitors who clean more than 150 buildings throughout Kansas City and Jackson County are set to expire on June 30, 2025. The resolution was formally introduced and passed at today’s City Council meeting.
Essential janitors who take care of our most iconic public spaces – from Crown Center to Union Station to City Hall – are finding it hard to make ends meet – even while working two or three jobs. When workers struggle to meet their basic needs, the entire community feels the impact. For years, janitorial contractors have profited from hardworking janitors without paying them enough to make ends meet. It is time for the janitorial contractors profiting off the backs of working families to create sustainable jobs that support a strong working class.
“We have worked tirelessly for years without seeing our wages meet the rise of the cost of living,” said Local 1 member and janitor Felix Wash. “The explosive increase in grocery prices, child care costs, and especially in housing costs is causing working people to not be able to make ends meet. When you’re in a situation where you have to choose between which bills to pay, that does not feel humane. I shouldn’t have to choose between paying the light bill, gas bill, groceries, rent, or any other bills.”
“It is time for these multi-million dollar companies to pay us what we deserve – enough is enough,” said Local 1 member and janitor Tila Garcia Ramsey. “For years we have received low pay that doesn’t reflect the hard work we do. It is time for a fair contract that includes fair wages.”
“Local 1 members in Kansas City are ready to fight for the dignity and pay that is deserved,” said Christian Rak, SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Director of Missouri & Southern Illinois. “Members have already begun to act like never before – attending union meetings, talking to their coworkers, and being vocal about the fight that is coming up. We look forward to negotiations with contractors and are ready to do what it takes to win a fair contract.”