SEIU Local 1 Essential Janitors in Kansas City, MO Rally Downtown for Fair Wages as Negotiations Affecting 800 Working Families and 150 KC Buildings Continue
Joined by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Jackson County Chairman DaRon McGee, and other community leaders and groups…
KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, Kansas City essential janitors rallied at Oppenstein Park in downtown Kansas City to demand fair wages as contract negotiations affecting around 800 working families continue. The contract impacting essential janitors in more than 150 buildings is set to expire on June 30, 2025. Janitorial work has a direct impact on the health, productivity, and satisfaction of the tenants and residents who use these buildings, making janitors a vital part of Kansas City.
Negotiations are ongoing, and the most recent economic offer from the subcontractors would result in a vast majority of these essential workers getting less than a quarter raise and having to wait an extra six months to see it on their paychecks.
Despite their years of hard work in servicing more than 150 buildings throughout Kansas City, including some of our most iconic public spaces from Crown Center to Union Station to City Hall, essential janitors are finding it hard to make ends meet – even while working two or three jobs. It is time for the janitorial contractors profiting off the backs of working people 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.”
“For years, janitorial subcontractors have paid these essential workers far below a living wage, and we are determined to change that,” said Christian Rak, SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Director of Missouri & Southern Illinois. “Local 1 members in Kansas City are ready to fight for the dignity and pay that is deserved,”
Recently, Kansas City Councilman Kevin O’Neill introduced a resolution in support of Local 1 essential janitors and the resolution was passed by city council.